Coach Mike Woodson Looking to Keep Jeremy Lin in New York

Coach Mike Woodson has confirmed the New York Knicks plan to match the offer given to Jeremy Lin by the Houston Rockets.

Last week, it was reported the Rockets offered Lin a $28.8 million deal over a four-year period. However, according to Woodson, he didn’t give the offer a second thought and says the Knicks are looking to keep Lin in New York.

“Never once,” said Woodson in Las Vegas where the Knicks are participating in summer league. “Jeremy Lin has always been a big part of what we’re trying to do as we move forward with our franchise.”

He’s expressed same sentiment at the end of the season as well stating the “future’s very bright for him.”

Woodson also has plans for Lin and the newly acquired Jason Kidd to work together as well during the next season. According to ESPN NY, he feels the veteran baller will be a “perfect fit” for Lin.

“Jason’s a veteran guy that brings leadership,” he said. “He’ll be able to tutor (Lin) as he grows as a point guard for our franchise. And Jason can still play and run a ballclub, so that’s important I think as we move forward and get ready for (training) camp and start the upcoming season.”

This week, Jeremy Lin refuted a report made by the New York Daily News stating he was upset the Knicks haven’t matched the Rocket’s offer as of yet. He took to his Twitter page to refute the claims, posting “Lol why do u guys believe everything? No quotes from me = probably not true.”

During the regular season, Lin averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. While Linsantiy as bubbling, he was leading the team to a 6-1 stretch directly after Woodson took over for former coach Mike D’Antoni.