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Carmelo Anthony: Don't blame me if Knicks don't bring back Jeremy Lin

Carmelo Anthony doesn't want any blame for the New York Knicks not keeping Jeremy Lin.

Several sources have told Yahoo! Sports that the Knicks don't plan on matching the three-year, $25 million offer sheet Lin signed with the Houston Rockets. Anthony called the offer sheet – which will pay Lin nearly $15 million in the third year – "ridiculous" Sunday during an interview with reporters after Team USA's practice in Washington.

"It's up to the organization to say they want to match that ridiculous contract that's out there,'' Anthony said.

Anthony later said in a text message with Yahoo! Sports that it's not his fault if the Knicks decline to match the offer sheet by Tuesday's 11:59 p.m. ET deadline.

"It's up to ownership to match, not me," Anthony said. "I'm tired of people trying to blame me for the fact that the Knicks might not match. I want everybody to get paid if they have the opportunity."

[Related: High school coach says Jeremy Lin surprised by Knicks' decision]

Knicks coach Mike Woodson declined comment at Sunday's summer league game against the Phoenix Suns in Las Vegas. A Knicks spokesman said management also would not comment on Lin's status.

The Knicks were widely expected to match Lin's offer sheet until they struck a sign-and-trade deal with the Portland Trail Blazers to acquire point guard Raymond Felton on Saturday. The Knicks also recently signed point guards Jason Kidd and Pablo Prigioni.

Lin had a sensational run as the Knicks' starting point guard before a knee injury ended his season. Most of his success, however, came when Anthony was sidelined. Woodson also has made clear that the Knicks' offense will be built around Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, not Lin.

Lin is expected to have more freedom under Rockets coach Kevin McHale. Lin averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists in 35 games for New York last season and scored 38 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"He's a good young player that has a lot of potential and upside with time and experience," Anthony said.

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