Considering that in order for the Rockets to clear enough room under the salary cap to sign Melo they need to trade Lin in a salary dump, why is this a big deal? If Melo decides he likes the Rockets offer, Lin is gone anyway.
You really don't see the big deal? Even if it's known that a move has to be made, Lin is still on the roster and they might not even get Melo. That's like recruiting Love and putting him in Sully's jersey (while he's still very much on the team).It's hurtful for the player getting traded. What's so hard about picking a different number?
Dear Houston Rockets,
I'm available for hurting and I'll only cost you $1M ($14M less than you're paying Lin to hurt him).
Sincerely,
Gainesville Celtic
P.S. For an extra $1M i'll change my name to Houston Celtic.
Or better yet, it's like hearing rumors at work that they're hiring someone to put in your position (that you still work in) and when they bring the person in to interview they bring he or she to your office while you're in there and say "This can be your new office".
It's a little diff. situation since most workplaces in America (a) pay significantly less than the NBA and (b) don't have guaranteed contracts like Lin does in HOU. I also don't (as Lin does) have to hear about someone else taking my job in the paper, ESPN, every website, etc, before he gets to my office where they show him my desk.
(BTW -- i support the players in both respects, getting the max they can make and having guaranteed salaries. Just pointing out that what would be hurtful at my workplace probably isn't the same situation as what Lin's going through....)