Jew World Order

HOUSTON (AP) — Say goodbye to Linsanity, New York.

Jeremy Lin is taking his game off Broadway — way off — to Houston after the Knicks announced Tuesday night they would not match the Rockets’ three-year, $25 million offer for the restricted free agent.

“Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!!” Lin posted on his Twitter account.

“Much love and thankfulness to the Knicks and New York for your support the past year…easily the best year of my life.”

The 23-year-old point guard, undrafted out of Harvard, became an international phenomenon and the biggest story in sports during one dazzling month in the Big Apple. But the Knicks decided keeping the show in town was too costly.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey celebrated the re-acquisition on Twitter:

“Welcome to Houston (at)JLin7. We plan to hang on this time. You will love (hash)RedNation.”

The Rockets waived Lin after two weeks in their training camp in December. Team owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement late Tuesday that the team was “thrilled to have Jeremy back.”

“In his limited opportunity last season, Jeremy showed that he has all the skills to be a great player in this league for many years to come,” Alexander said. “In addition to being a great passer, he is also exceptional at driving to the rim and finishing plays. He also showed a poise well beyond his years by making winning plays at the end of numerous games last season. Jeremy is a winner on and off the court and we view him as an important part of our plan to build a championship contender.”

The Knicks said they would match any offer to retain Lin, but the Rockets made it tough for New York to keep him by backloading their offer sheet with a $15 million salary in the third season. If the Knicks agreed to that deal, they would’ve faced a hefty luxury tax in 2014-15 because of other big contracts on their books — between $30-40 million.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Loading Slideshow

• Palo Alto guard Jeremy Lin, center, celebrates with teammates Steven Brown, left, Cooper Miller, and Brian Karvaries, right, after Palo Alto beat Mater Dei of Santa Ana in the boys’ Division II CIF state basketball championship game in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 17, 2006. Palo Alto won 51-47. (AP Photo/Steve Yeater)

• Mater Dei of Santa Ana’s Kamyron Brown, center, tries to drive between Palo Alto’s Jeremy Lin, left, and Kheaton Scott during the third quarter of the boys’ Division II CIF state basketball championship game in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, March 17, 2006. Palo Alto defeated Mater Dei 51-47. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

• Palo Alto guard Jeremy Lin, right, runs into Mater Dei of Santa Ana defender Alex Jacobson while driving to the basket during the second half of the boys’ Division II CIF state basketball championship game in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 17, 2006. Palo Alto won 51-47. (AP Photo/Steve Yeater)

• Stanford’s Anthony Goods (4) drives against Harvard’s Jeremy Lin in the first half of a basketball game Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

• UC Santa Barbara’s Alex Harris (12) drives against Harvard’s Jeremy Lin (11) in the first half of a basketball game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

• Harvard’s Jeremy Lin (11) keeps the ball away from Michigan’s Manny Harris (3) in the second half of a basketball game Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, in Boston. Harvard won 62-51. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

• Harvard’s Jeremy Lin, left, takes a shot against Michigan’s DeShawn Sims (34) in the second half of a basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, in Boston. Harvard won 62-51. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

• In this Jan. 7, 2009, file photo, Harvard’s Jeremy Lin (4) drives for the basket in front of Boston College’s Rakim Sanders during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Boston.

• Harvard’s Jeremy Lin, left, drives past Connecticut’s Gavin Edwards during the second half of Connecticut’s 79-73 victory in their NCAA college basketball game in Storrs, Conn., on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Lin scored a game-high 30 points with nine rebounds and Edwards scored 12 points with five rebounds. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

• Connecticut’s Jerome Dyson, right, has his shot blocked by Harvard’s Jeremy Lin during the second half of Connecticut’s 79-73 victory in their NCAA college basketball game in Storrs, Conn., on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. Lin scored a game-high 30 points with nine rebound and Dyson scored a team-high 24 points with 14 rebounds. (AP Photo/Fred Beckham)

• In this Dec. 9, 2009, file photo, Harvard’s Jeremy Lin (4) drives by Boston College’s Biko Paris, left, during the first half of an NCAA basketball game in Boston.

• Harvard’s Jeremy Lin, right, dives for the ball as Boston College’s Corey Raji (11) tries to control it during the second half of an NCAA basketball game in Boston, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009. Harvard won 74-67. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

• Georgetown’s Austin Freeman (15) shoots the ball against Harvard’s Jeremy Lin (4) and Christian Webster (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Washington. Georgetown won 86-70.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

• Georgetown’s Chris Wright, left, battles for the ball with Harvard’s Jeremy Lin, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

• Harvard’s Jeremy Lin (4) goes to the basket as Georgetown’s Greg Monroe (10) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, in Washington.

• Dallas Mavericks’ Jeremy Lin wipes his face during an NBA Summer League basketball game against Milwaukee Bucks’ in Las Vegas on Monday, July 12, 2010.

• Dallas Mavericks’ Jeremy Lin, shoots a free throw during an NBA Summer League basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas on Monday, July 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)

• Dallas Mavericks’ Jeremy Lin tries to shoot over Milwaukee Bucks’ Dominic James as Milwaukee’s DeMarcus Nelson, left, looks on during an NBA summer league basketball game in Las Vegas on Monday, July 12, 2010.

• New Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin poses with his parents, Gie-ming, right, and Shirley, left, during a news conference at the NBA basketball team’s headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Lin was an undrafted free agent from Harvard, and is a Bay Area native.

• New Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin spins a basketball during a news conference at the NBA basketball team’s headquarters in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Lin was an undrafted free agent from Harvard.

• NBA player of the Golden State Warriors, Jeremy Lin spins a basket ball during a press conference, Wednesday, July 28, 2010, in Taipei, Taiwan.

• Golden State Warriors’ Reggie Williams, left, interviews teammate Jeremy Lin during the NBA basketball team’s media day in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Sept. 27, 2010.

• Golden State Warriors’ Jeremy Lin, left, looks to pass away from Portland Trail Blazers’ Raymond Sykes (25) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) against the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Oct. 29, 2010. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

• Golden State Warriors center David Lee (10), right, jokes with point guard Jeremy Lin (7) as Lin replaces Lee in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Oct. 29, 2010.

• Los Angeles Lakers power forward Lamar Odom (7) left, and Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) battle for the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles , Sunday, October 31, 2010. The Lakers won 107 to 83.

• Denver Nuggets point guard Anthony Carter (25) guards Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Nov. 22, 2010. Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 106-89.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) watches the Warriors lose to the Denver Nuggets in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Nov. 22, 2010. Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 106-89.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin (7) against the Sacramento Kings in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, April 10, 2011. The Kings won 104-103.

• Golden State Warriors point guard Jeremy Lin against the Denver Nuggets in an NBA basketball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011.

• Jerry West, right, shakes hands with Golden State Warriors guard Jeremy Lin, left, as Warriors center Ekpe Udoh looks on, before being introduced as a new member of the basketball club’s Executive Board, in San Francisco, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. West, 72, will assist the Warriors’ ownership group and represent the organization in a wide variety of team-related functions in his role with the club. The position will encompass various areas and responsibilities, ranging from basketball operations to business, sponsorship and marketing endeavors.

• Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, center, has the ball stripped by Jeremy Lin, left, and David Lee during a voluntary basketball practice session, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.

• Houston Rockets Media Day

  Houston Rockets’ Jeremy Lin during their NBA basketball media day Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, in Houston.

• Houston Rockets’ Courtney Lee (5) blocks a pass from New York Knicks’ Jeremy Lin (17) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in Houston.

• Detroit Pistons forward Austin Daye (5) defends against New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin (17) who looks to pass in the second half of their NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012.

• New Jersey Nets’ Deron Williams, right, drives to the basket against New York Knicks’ Jeremy Lin during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks’ Jeremy Lin, left, looks to pass the ball as he is guarded by New Jersey Nets’ Deron Williams during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks’ Jeremy Lin takes a shot during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New Jersey Nets Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New Jersey Nets’ Jordan Williams (20) avoids foulingNew York Knicks’ Jeremy Lin during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks’ Jeremy Lin drives to the basket during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game New Jersey Nets Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

• New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin reacts after hitting a basket during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New Jersey Nets, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Lin led all scorers with 25 points as the Knicks defeated the Nets 99-92.

• New York Knicks’ point guard Jeremy Lin (17) shoots over Utah Jazz’s power forward Paul Millsap (24) during an NBA basketball game on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York.

• New York Knicks’ point guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives the ball against Utah Jazz’s point guard Earl Watson (11) during an NBA basketball game on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York.

• New York Knicks’ point guard Jeremy Lin (17) leaves the court with teammates after the Knicks defeated the Utah Jazz 99-88 in an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in New York.

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks warms up before the start of the Knicks and Washington Wizards game at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Fans of Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks hold up signs during the second half of the Knicks and Washington Wizards game at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks works the ball against John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Washington Wizards

  WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 08: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks celebrates with teammate Jared Jeffries #9 during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on February 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives for a shot attempt in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives in the second quarter against Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives in the second quarter against Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives for a shot attempt in the fourth quarter against Jason Kapono #28 and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Jeremy Lin #17, Steve Novak #16 and Landry Fields #2 of the New York Knicks celebrate after Lin made a 3-point basket in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Jeremy Lin #17 and Tyson Chandler #6 of the New York Knicks look on against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• Los Angeles Lakers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Jeremy Lin #17 and Iman Shumpert #21 of the New York Knicks celebrate a play against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

• TO GO WITH STORY ” Basket-NBA-Knicks-Lin

  TO GO WITH STORY ‘ Basket-NBA-Knicks-Lin-Taiwan ‘, BY BENJAMIN YEH Picture shows US NBA player Jaremy Lin’s displayed on all the local newspapers front pages in Taipei on February 12, 2012. The NBA legend-in-the-making Jeremy Lin, American born and bred, is the latest hit in Taiwan, a society craving for a true hero in an age of false role models. AFP PHOTO / Sam YEH (Photo credit should read SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images)

• Sacramento Kings v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks shoots against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• Sacramento Kings v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives past Isaiah Thomas #22 of the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• Sacramento Kings v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks fans cheer him on against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• Sacramento Kings v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks is fouled by a charging Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• Sacramento Kings v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 15: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• New Orleans Hornets v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 17: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives against Greivis Vasquez #21 of the New Orleans Hornets at Madison Square Garden on February 17, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• New Orleans Hornets v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 17: Film director Spike Lee wears the high school jersey of Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks during the game against the New Orleans Hornets at Madison Square Garden on February 17, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• New Jersey Nets v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 20: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks drives against Sundiata Gaines #1 of the New Jersey Nets at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• Atlanta Hawks v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 22: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks leaves the court after a win over the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on February 22, 2012 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Miami Heat

  MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 23: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks greets LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on February 23, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• New York Knicks v Miami Heat

  MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 23: Norris Cole #30 of the Miami Heat forces a turnover against Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks during a game at American Airlines Arena on February 23, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

  ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks and Team Shaq answers questions from the media during a press conference prior to the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge part of the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend at Amway Center on February 24, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

  ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks and Team Shaq drives against Evan Turner #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Team Chuck during the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge part of the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend at Amway Center on February 24, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• BBVA Rising Stars Challenge

  ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks and Team Shaq and Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers and Team Shaq look on form the bench during the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge part of the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend at Amway Center on February 24, 2012 in Orlando, Florida.

• A Chinese basketball fan prepares to buy a New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin T-shirt as they go on sale at a sporting goods store in Beijing on February 25, 2012.

• Cleveland Cavaliers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 29: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks rebounds against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2012 in New York City.

• Cleveland Cavaliers v New York Knicks

  NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 29: Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks picks himself up against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2012 in New York City.

One sports consultant said the adjustment to the offer sheet was a stroke of genius by Morey.

“The Rockets deserve a lot of credit for the way they’ve gone about this,” said Marc Ganis, president of Chicago-based SportsCorp. “It was extremely intelligent — with an assassin’s touch.”

But Houston made the bad move, initially, waiving Lin because it already had Goran Dragic and Kyle Lowry on the roster.

The Knicks picked him up and gave him first real shot. He was briefly demoted to the developmental league, recalled and finally got his chance when coach Mike D’Antoni put him in with the Knicks floundering at 8-15. Lin scored a career-high 25 points in a 99-92 win over New Jersey Nets and “Linsanity” was born.

Lin had slept on teammate Landry Fields’ couch the night before, still refusing to get his own place as he headed into that week, knowing the Knicks would have to decide whether to cut him or guarantee his contract for the rest of the season.

But Lin proved more than just a one-hit wonder — he had 28 and 23 points in his first two NBA starts, and then scored a career-high 38 in a 92-85 victory over Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The stock price for Madison Square Garden Inc. surged on the production and popularity of the team’s international star. Lin, the NBA’s first American-born player of Taiwanese or Chinese descent, also made the Sports Illustrated cover in consecutive weeks, only the 12th athlete to hold that distinction since 1990. On Tuesday, Lin had more than 829,000 followers on Twitter.

The more opponents saw Lin, though, the more they seemed to figure him out as the season wore on. He went 1 for 11 with eight turnovers in a humbling, nationally televised loss in Miami and the Knicks dropped their first six games in March.

D’Antoni resigned in mid-March and Lin hurt his left knee less than two weeks later. The Knicks revealed on April 1 that Lin needed surgery to repair a meniscus tear and would miss six weeks.

The Knicks made the playoffs behind surging Carmelo Anthony, but bowed out to Miami in the first round. The Rockets, meanwhile, missed the postseason for the third straight year and have spent the offseason completely rebuilding their roster.

Houston has been trying to put together a package of assets and draft picks to offer Orlando in exchange for disgruntled All-Star center Dwight Howard. In the process, the Rockets lost the unrestricted free agent Dragic to Phoenix, then traded Lowry to Toronto in exchange for a future first-round pick with lottery protection.

With no true point guard left on the roster, the Rockets turned back to Lin. The Knicks showed their hand when they brought back Raymond Felton in a sign-and-trade deal with Portland — after signing Jason Kidd as a free agent.

Houston, meanwhile, jumped at the chance to rekindle their popularity in China, where Yao Ming became a larger-than-life figure. Many Rockets landed lucrative shoe contracts with Chinese companies on Yao’s coattails and Rockets’ games drew massive television ratings there.

David Schwab, who specializes in matching brands with celebrities as managing director at Octagon First Call, said that while Lin is an American success story, he’ll reopen marketing in-roads for Houston during Yao’s eight seasons (2002-11).

“Teams base their decisions on wins and losses, because wins and losses ultimately affect ticket sales, sponsorships,” Schwab said. “I still think it’s a win-loss decision, but I think, in their case, it’s weighed more as a marketing decision. They’ve got more to gain right now, with a decade of Yao and companies they’ve done business with. They’ve got kind of the next frontier there.”