A major luxury tax hit is what Lin will bring the KNICKS two years from now ..... when his back-loaded contract (from the ROCKETS) coincides with the existing huge contracts of Melo, Amare, Chandler, etc.
I'm sure no one doubts the marketing power of Lin ...... (for once) but I kinda agree with J.R. Smith when he stated in an interview:
"I think some guys take it personal (Lin's impending huge contract), because they've been doing it longer and haven't received any reward for it yet. I think it's a tough subject to touch on for a lot of guys."
Though Lin deserves a nice pay raise, his new huge contract speaks more of his marketability rather than compensation for his court contributions - which amounts to just 35 games ..... I agree with Smith that at the very least, it might affect team chemistry.
The KNICKS management probably see this angle too (it's likely that a few KNICKS players have already said a few words to them) ...... there can also be some doubts about Lin's productivity on a full 82-games season.
We'll see in a day or two if the KNICKS retain Lin (and have 4 PG's under contract) or they'll go with Felton as their lead PG.