Loophole Could Help The Rockets Land Jeremy Lin

As Jeremy Lin tested restricted free agency, there was very little concern from Knicks camp. New York was reportedly willing to match any offer Lin received. However, that changed Saturday night, and now there are reports indicating Lin could be headed to the Houston Rockets. One of the main causes for the change from the Knicks could be the use of a loophole by the Rockets.

Rockets found loophole that would cost them $8 million on third year of Lin offer sheet and Knicks $15 million, source tells Y! Sports.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 15, 2012

The extra cost is a major factor when it comes to the NBA's luxury tax system.

Luxury tax team NYK fear of matching Lin deal understandable when 3rd year of tough to trade contract would cost $15 million,source tells Y!

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 15, 2012

So much for this, I guess. It's a clever poison pill contract written by the Knicks.

Source with knowledge of Knicks' thinking: "They will match any offer on Lin up to 1 billion dollars"

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 5, 2012

For more on the Knicks, visit Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York. For more on the Blazers, check out Blazer's Edge. And for more on the Rockets, visit The Dream Shakeand SB Nation Houston.