Knicks general manager Glen Grunwald sounded all in on Linsanity.
Although Jeremy Lin’s agent, Roger Montgomery, does not expect an easy negotiation beginning July 1, Grunwald said he can’t imagine Lin not returning because he’s a restricted free agent and the club can match any offer. However, other teams under the salary cap can give backloaded offers that would kill the Knicks’ future luxury-tax situation.
“We can keep him if we want him,” Grunwald said. “We do want to keep him. And I believe Jeremy has had a great experience here and I believe he wants to come back.’’
The Knicks would have to use their $5 million mid-level exception to sign Lin, but would have little flexibility to sign other top free agents. However, the union has an arbritration hearing in June to fight against Lin losing his Bird rights from the waiver claim. If those rights are restored, the Knicks have their mid-level exception to sign another quality guard.
“We’re interested bystanders,’’ Grunwald said. “It will obviously impact some things.’’