"Yao Ming attempted to sign Knicks point guard sensation Jeremy Lin to play for his Shanghai Sharks during the NBA lockout, but was unsuccessful, two league sources told The Post.

Lin, who helped the Knicks beat the Timberwolves last night, 100-98, has had a close bond with Yao since playing in Yao's charity basketball games in Taiwan and Beijing in August 2010.

Yao, who retired as an NBA player in July because of chronic foot injuries, owns the Sharks, for whom he once played. Yao also has started his own wine label and has embarked in politics, recently named to a powerful political advisory committee.

Following his historic 38-point outburst against the Lakers on Friday night, Lin revealed he is close to Yao and communicates often with the 7-foot-6 Chinese basketball legend, mostly by text message. Yao lives in Shanghai.

"Yao cares for [Lin's] well-being,'' one person familiar with the relationship said. "He's that kind of guy.''"