While the Knicks haven't announced what they're going to do about Jeremy Lin -- they have until Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. ET to decide -- there is growing sentiment that they won't match the Rockets' three-year, roughly $25 million offer sheet.
Jared Jeffries is one of those believers.
The Best Of Linsanity
ESPN New York looks back at Jeremy Lin's very best games with the 'Bockers. Jeremy Lin's Greatest
Latest
"I never thought they would let him go," he told ESPN New York via text message on Sunday.
Jeffries himself wanted to return to the Knicks, but the team made Marcus Camby its priority to back up Tyson Chandler. Now Jeffries is heading to Portland, along with Dan Gadzuric, for Raymond Felton and Kurt Thomas.
Jeffries agreed that the free-agency process is unpredictable.
"There is never a reason for what happens," he said.
The Knicks can still match Lin's offer and interchange him, Felton and Jason Kidd in the backcourt. As of now, Kidd is the only guard off the bench because the Knicks decided not to match Landry Fields' three-year, $20 million offer sheet with Raptors. Also, Iman Shumpert is out until likely January.
Lin is currently working out in the Bay Area with his longtime trainer, Brandynn Williams, on everything from dribbling to pick-and-roll maneuvering. He said he's trying to help Lin be more efficient making plays, in order to cut down on his high turnover rate from last season in his first-time starter role.
Williams thinks the Knicks will match because they'll recognize "he's legit and want him back."
"He looks really good and he's working hard," Williams told ESPN New York. "All he does is work out and work out some more. He will have a better year this year. He will always be successful because he lives in the gym.
"The world has not seen anything yet."
You can follow Jared Zwerling on Twitter.