Carmelo Anthony & Jeremy Lin: The Knicks Contract Truth

Carmelo Anthony and Jeremy Lin recently discussed the circumstances surrounding Lin's exit from the New York Knicks in 2012. Anthony clarified on the "7PM in Brooklyn" show that he never found Lin's contract extension itself to be 'ridiculous.' Instead, his concern was with the 'Poison Pill' provision, which drastically increased the contract's value in its final year.

Anthony explained that the large salary jump, from $4 million to $15 or $16 million, was the 'ridiculous' aspect from a financial decision-making standpoint. He expressed frustration that internal conversations about the contract's financial implications leaked, leading to public perception that he disliked Lin's overall deal. Lin added that he would have stayed with the Knicks had they offered him a smaller contract, but they never did. He recounted being unhappy with the offer he received from the Houston Rockets, feeling he had no choice but to accept it.

Lin's departure from New York came after a breakout sophomore season where he averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists. He later played for six other NBA teams. The following year, Anthony led the Knicks to 54 wins and the top seed in the Eastern Conference.