Right after the draft, when it became more obvious what the Sixers’ plan was, I would not have believed it if you told me we were talking about a possible trade for a player just a week later. But when a dude with a burdensome contract is basically being pushed out the door, Hinkie’s eyes light up with visions of draft picks.

According to just about everyone, Jeremy Lin was not super thrilled that the Rockets used a photoshopped image of Carmelo Anthony wearing a #7 jersey — Lin’s number — on the screens outside their arena. It might not have angered Lin if there weren’t already rumors that he’d have to go for the Rockets to land Melo or LeBron.

The natural landing spot for Lin, according to many sources, appears to be the Sixers. As Eliot Shorr-Parks says:

“Due to their cap space, the Sixers could take on Lin without sending any money back. That would allow them to potentially net a first-round pick, or a collection of second-round picks, for agreeing to take Lin back in a trade.

If the deal did go down, it likely won’t be for a week or so. Anthony is still making his way around his free agency tour, and just met with the Rockets on Wednesday. He is expected to meet with the Lakers on Thursday, and then a final meeting with the Knicks.”

With the Sixers’ ridiculous amount of cap space and lack of on-court draw, Lin would actually be a good one-year add. He’s an exciting player that brings along a built-in fan base, and if he performs well for one year in a backup PG role he could be brought back for much less money. And if not then it’s no harm, no foul. Or: Money for nothin’, Lin for free.