Knicks Rumors: Lin, Anthony, O’Quinn, Seraphin

The Knicks had no interest in a reunion with Jeremy Lin, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. Lin reportedly reached out to the team during his summer free agency, but said, “There was no conversation other than them telling me they weren’t interested.” Instead, he agreed to a two-year, $4.3MM deal with the Hornets, a far cry from the three-year, $25MM contract that Houston offered him in 2012 and the Knicks chose not to match. Lin says Knicks owner James Dolan hasn’t talked to him since he left town, and rarely spoke to him beforehand.

There’s more news out of New York:

• After a summer filled with rumors that he was unhappy with the Knicks’ draft and efforts in free agency, Carmelo Anthony has embraced a leadership role, writes Al Iannazzone of Newsday. Anthony said he was bothered by stories stating that he would have preferred Justise Winslow, Emmanuel Mudiay or Stanley Johnson over Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth pick, and that he was angry the team couldn’t land a star with about $30MM in cap room. “I think he’s just letting everyone know he’s accepting more leadership and expects to be held accountable,” said coach Derek Fisher.
• Kyle O’Quinn is bringing a toughness back to the Knicks that is reminiscent of the 1990s teams, according to Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com. The fourth-year center/forward came to New York during the summer in a sign-and trade with Orlando that landed him a four-year, $16MM contract. He hopes to create a physical presence with the Knicks. “I think that’s just the way to play basketball. There’s a loose ball, you’ve got to go get it. [It’s an] extra possession for your team. That’s just the way I play,” O’Quinn said. “It’s gotten me this far, and I want to continue.”
• The Knicks are being careful with Kevin Seraphin‘s swollen knee, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Seraphin, who signed a one-year, $2.8MM free agent deal in August, played 12 minutes in Friday’s preseason game after sitting out the previous two. “Any time a guy has history of a particular injury, you have to make it part of your plan in terms of managing that player,’’ Fisher said.