Jeremy Lin is heading to Houston, leaving the bright lights of Broadway and a legion of heartbroken Knicks fans behind. Linsanity, the exhilarating rush sparked by Lin’s meteoric rise to fame, is over, at least in New York. 
 
 The Knicks cut ties with Lin on Tuesday night, ending a brief, spectacular and now-bittersweet love affair between Lin, a 23-year-old point guard, and an adoring fan base. Lin will play next season for the Houston Rockets, who signed him to a three-year, $25.1 million offer sheet that the Knicks chose not to match. 
 
 The Knicks conveyed their intentions to Lin sometime after 10 p.m., less than two hours before the deadline to make the decision, and several hours after The New York Times reported that Lin would be let go. 
 
 After hours of silence, a Knicks spokesman ended any remaining suspense with a brief statement around 10:45 p.m., saying simply, “I can confirm we are not matching.” The Knicks offered no explanation or further comment. It was unclear when, or if, team officials would address the matter, but the Rockets said Lin would be introduced as a member of the team at a news conference Thursday. 
 
 The final decision for the Knicks rested with James L. Dolan, the Madison Square Garden chairman, and Dolan was the only one who could reverse it as the final hours ticked away Tuesday. But by midafternoon, a person briefed on the situation said the deliberations had ended. 
 
 “It is done,” the person said. 
 
 The decision was said to be financial, not emotional. Lin’s contract contains a third-year balloon payment of $14.9 million, which would have cost the Knicks another $35 million or more in luxury-tax penalties. This so-called poison pill was devised by the Rockets to dissuade the Knicks from matching, and it proved effective. 
 
 “We were comfortable with the money we were going to give Jeremy, and we hoped they wouldn’t match,” Daryl Morey, the Rockets’ general manager, said in a telephone interview. “But it’s hard to know what was the key to their decision.” 
 
 Because the Rockets are well below the luxury-tax threshold, Lin’s contract will cost them only its face value. Also, under the N.B.A.’s arcane rules, the Rockets will be charged an average of the salary, $8.37 million a year, for salary-cap purposes, instead of taking the $14.9 million hit in 2014-15. Thus, the deal is more manageable for the Rockets than it would have been for the Knicks. 
 
 Knicks officials ultimately concluded that it made more sense to pay two veteran point guards, Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton, a combined $7 million in 2014-15, than to spend $50 million or more to keep Lin, who has yet to play a full season as a starter. 
 
 So the Knicks’ most popular player in more than a decade, who rose from obscurity, saved their season and became a global sensation, is gone. He will join a young, rebuilding Rockets team that is pushing hard to land Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic’s disgruntled star center. 
 
 Lin spent just 26 games as the Knicks’ primary point guard last season, but it was a memorable, often spectacular run, filled with buzzer-beating shots, dazzling passes and bold drives to the rim. It began with a seven-game winning streak that electrified the Garden and spawned a household word: Linsanity. Along the way, Lin outdueled Kobe Bryant in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and outshone Dirk Nowitzki to beat the Dallas Mavericks. His fame grew exponentially because of his unique profile: a Harvard graduate and Taiwanese-American who went undrafted and was waived twice before finding his niche with the Knicks. 
 
 A knee injury, and subsequent surgery, ended Lin’s magical run in late March. He averaged 18.5 points and 7.6 assists in that run — statistics that would place him among the N.B.A.’s top point guards if he had sustained them for a full season. Yet Lin also had an above-average turnover rate, and he struggled against some of the league’s top defensive teams, notably the Miami Heat, who harassed him into 1-for-11 shooting and eight turnovers on Feb. 23. 
 
 Despite Lin’s great promise, his portrait remains incomplete. He is clearly better than the scouting reports suggested when he went undrafted in 2010. Still unknown is whether he will be a star, a flash in the pan or merely a very good point guard. He was brilliant in the former coach Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system, but it was unknown how he might fare in the more traditional offense of D’Antoni’s successor, Mike Woodson. 
 
 Whatever he may become, it will happen with the Rockets, who have placed a great deal of faith and money in Lin. ||||| 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' 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. 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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-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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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 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 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 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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) 
 
 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. 
 
 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. ||||| FILE - In this March 7, 2012 file photo, New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin, left, shoots over San Antonio Spurs' Tim Duncan during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in San Antonio. This would have been... (Associated Press) 
 
 FILE - This Dec. 15, 2011 file photo shows Houston Rockets' Jeremy Lin during the teams NBA basketball media day in Houston. This would have been such an easy decision in February. Lin was the biggest... (Associated Press) 
 
 FILE - This Feb. 24, 2012 file photo shows New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin laughing during warmups before the start of the NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge basketball game in Orlando, Fla. This would have... (Associated Press) 
 
 The New York Knicks announced Tuesday night that they will not match the Houston Rockets' three-year, $25 million offer for Lin, a restricted free-agent. 
 
 New York officially had until 11:59 EDT to decide whether to re-sign Lin, who became an international phenomenon in the media glare of the Big Apple. 
 
 Rockets general manager Daryl Morey celebrated the acquisition on Twitter: 
 
 "Welcome to Houston (at)JLin7. We plan to hang on this time. You will love (hash)RedNation." 
 
 Houston had Lin in training camp in December and Morey regretted waiving him. The Rockets liked what they saw in the undrafted point guard, but had to let Lin go because they had Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic on the roster. 
 
 The Rockets made it tough for the Knicks to keep Lin, tough, 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. 
 
 The New York Times initially reported the Knicks' decision earlier in day. 
 
 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." 
 
 The Knicks, though, gave Lin his first real shot, picking him up after the Rockets waived him. 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 an overnight sensation _ 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 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 reacquire 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.
– It's official: Jeremy Lin is heading to Houston, leaving heartbroken Knicks fans behind. The Knicks, just before the deadline, decided not to match the Rockets' three-year, $25 million offer to the restricted free agent, reports the Huffington Post. If the Knicks had opted to match the Rockets' deal, which contains a third-year payment of $14.9 million, it would have been hit with at least another $35 million or more in "luxury tax" penalties, notes the New York Times. "The Rockets deserve a lot of credit for the way they've gone about this," the chief of SportsCorp tells AP. "It was extremely intelligent—with an assassin's touch." Lin, 23, played 26 games as the Knicks' primary point guard last season, and became the team's most popular player in a decade. Houston had Lin in training camp but passed on him before he was picked up by the Knicks. "Extremely excited and honored to be a Houston Rocket again!!" Lin tweeted last night. "Much love and thankfulness to the Knicks and New York for your support this past year—easily the best year of my life."