NBA: Knicks spokesperson confirms 'Linsanity' is leaving New York

(Updated 12:01pm) The New York Knicks have confirmed to several media outlets that they will not be matching the Houston Rockets' contract offer to point guard Jeremy Lin, allowing the previously unheralded Taiwanese-American to leave.

Knicks spokesman confirms that Jeremy Lin's offer sheet will not be matched. @JLin7 is now officially a Rocket. — Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 18, 2012    

The #Knicks just confirmed they will not match the three-year, $25.1 million offer sheet Jeremy Lin signed with the Houston Rockets. #fb — Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) July 18, 2012    

A Knicks spokesman confirmed the team will not match Houston's offer for Jeremy Lin. He's a Rocket. — Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 18, 2012    

Update: Lin has now been notified by the Knicks that they are declining his option. Linsanity officially over. Still no announcement. — Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) July 18, 2012    

Knicks spokesman says: "I can confirm we are not matching." No further comment from the Knicks tonight. — Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) July 18, 2012    

The Rockets signed Lin to a $25.1 million offer sheet, after initially agreeing to terms on a $19.5 million deal, with the third-year payout jumping from $9.3 million to $14.9 million. That proved too rich for the Knicks, who instead opted to trade for a former Knick, Raymond Felton, in addition to landing Jason Kidd.

“He can be just as exciting as he was in NY.Houston is going to embrace him and expect a lot from him," HOU Kevin Martin tells Y! on @JLin7 — Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 18, 2012    

Last season Lin averaged 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals over 35 outings, 25 starts. With stars Carmelo Anthony, Baron Davis, and Amar'e Stoudemire all injured, Lin got to play major minutes, leading the team to several victories, sparking the "Linsanity" phenomenon. Lin himself later confirmed the move himself, saying on Twitter, "Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!!" Houston Rockets general manager likewise welcomed Lin, adding, "We plan to hang on [to you] this time," in reference to the team waiving Lin last off-season, which allowed him to make his way to New York.

Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!! #RedNation — Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) July 18, 2012

Welcome to Houston @JLin7! We plan to hang on this time. You will love #RedNation — Daryl Morey (@dmorey) July 18, 2012

Several fans had created an online petition expressing their desire for NYK to keep Lin, but it apparently fell on deaf ears in the New York Knicks front office. - AMD, GMA News