Jeremy Lin news: New York Knicks were never in the game for Linsanity

Jeremy LinReuters

Jeremy Lin had his breakout year with the New York Knicks and a return to Gotham would have been a logical move only that the scenario was not mutual.

The Knicks were among the teams mentioned as frontrunners for Lin when his previous contract with the Los Angeles Lakers/Houston Rockets lapsed but Lin's camp claims that the Knicks were never seriously interested in a possible reunion.

In an interview with Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Jeremy Lin says that no talks really prospered between them and the Knicks in the offseason. In short, the Knicks were not interested.

This comes as a big surprise considering the Knicks were reportedly interested in Lin. Aside from the Knicks, other teams that were reportedly interested in acquiring him included the defending champion Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Denver Nuggets.

Lin eventually settled with the Charlotte Hornets, and it seems that his team of choice has been reaping dividends.

Lin has been shining in the preseason games of the Hornets, although everyone is reserving their expectations for the coming regular season. Everyone pretty much knows that things are taken to another level in the regular season wars where Lin is initially seen to come off the bench to lead the Hornets' second unit.

There could be some changes though, with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out due to injury. With Kidd-Gilchrist questionable, head coach Steve Clifford could move Nicolas Batum to play as a stretch forward, meaning Lin could be elevated to the starting guard position.

Lin's ability to create situations stands as a flexible solution for Clifford, although his playing time could depend largely on game situations as well.

Lin is looking to rebound from a woeful season with the Lakers and thus far, he has been showing promise in the Hornets preseason tiffs.