Jeremy Lin Trade Rumors Heat Up as Rockets Look to Sign Dwight Howard

By Justin Sarachik, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 05, 2013

Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets is rumored to be on the trading block as the team looks to sign free agent Center, Dwight Howard.

According to 630WPro Lin along with Omer Asik were reportedly being shopped around in an effort to clear more cap space, but Daryl Morey, general manager, has shot down those rumors.

"Both with Omer and Jeremy, we feel like they're good fits for Dwight," Morey told the Houston Chronicle. "Omer and Dwight would give us the best (centers) in the league in combination. Jeremy is an attacking guard, great in pick-and-roll, a great fit for Dwight. Dwight works great with shooting and attacking guards."

The initial report came from Alex Kennedy of Hoops World when he tweeted:

"The Rockets continue to gauge interest in Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik around the league. If they sign Dwight Howard, both players may be moved."

Bleacher Report reported that Lin's $25 million backloaded contract will make him hard to trade especially after his at times underwhelming play, averaging just four points per game in the playoffs and two assists.

Lin only ranked in the top 10 in point guards in two categories and was as low as 46th in field goal percentage according to Bleacher Report.

Lin's New York Knicks success did not carry over as well in Houston after an incredibly slow start. He finished the season with 13.4 points per game and 6.1 assists, while Asik average 10.1 points per game and 11.7 rebounds.

The Rocket's point guard became a superstar after a hot stretch of 25 games with the Knicks in 2010/2011 that saw him lead the team for a little while under coach Mike D'Antoni. The Knicks did not feel Lin was worth the gamble of $25 million so they did not pursue him.