Melo hopes Jeremy Lin returns

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WASHINGTON -- Carmelo Anthony still thinks it was "ridiculous" that the Houston Rockets adjusted the offer sheet Jeremy Lin signed to include $14.8 million guaranteed in the third year.

But Melo says he's still hoping Lin will return to the New York Knicks.

"I hope we can get it done, man," Anthony said after Team USA's 80-69 win over Brazil on Monday night at the Verizon Center. "I would love to see him back honestly, but knowing the business of basketball, it's kind of a tough situation. With Jeremy, I know he definitely wants to be back and (James) Dolan definitely wants him back. It's just a matter of figuring it out."

Tyson Chandler felt the same way about Lin's return, although he wasn't sure which way the Knicks were leaning.

"I don't know," he said. "But I would love to see him back."

The Knicks have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday to make a decision. One source familiar with the situation told ESPN New York, "Why would they sign (Raymond) Felton? The Knicks were probably not thrilled with the offer sheet. What has Lin proved?"

Another source also pointed to what the Rockets were offering and said it was something that the Knicks shouldn't jump on. The source said they'd get more bang for their buck with Felton, who also proved himself in New York in 2010-11, playing like an All-Star with career-high averages of 17.1 points and 9.0 assists per game.

However, there's no denying Lin has potential after he averaged 18.5 points and 7.6 assists over 26 games last season. Plus, he would be a big hit with fans in New York, where a lot of backlash has developed -- even petitions -- over the team's reported direction of not matching.

There are heavy extremes on both sides of the decision -- basketball-wise and financially -- and it's likely the Knicks could take the full day to make a decision.

Jared Zwerling is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.

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