Reports that Jeremy Lin is out for at least two weeks with a knee injury could pave the way for the explosive point guard to be traded.
Lin has equaled or surpassed all of coach Kevin McHale’s expectations as a sixth man, averaging 17 points and 5.2 assists per game.
The Rockets have another former starter that can fill in in Lin’s absence. Aaron Brooks scored 21 points on Wednesday, the day Lin went down with his injury in the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks. He had 14 off the bench yesterday in a 114 to 95 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
If there is no drop off with Brooks filling in for Lin, that could increase the likelihood Lin will be traded.
Center Omer Asik is unhappy in his role as a back up to Dwight Howard and has demanded to be traded. Rumor has it the Rockets are working to accommodate his wishes
Several rumors reported by Opposing Views have Lin being packaged as part of a trade of Asik. One includes a deal with the Boston Celtics for point guard Rajon Rondo, a veteran with much playoff experience. Other rumors have Lin and Asik going to the Trailblazers or Mavericks.
Trade talk is expected to intensify December 15 when players signed over the summer are eligible to be traded. That just happens to be the time Lin is expected to return to action.