Based on various reports this year, it appears there's at least some level of mutual interest between the Thunder and Kevin Martin in extending the shooting guard's stay in OKC beyond this season. However, according to Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman, there's a "growing sentiment" that the team may not need to re-sign Martin to continue contending.
In addition to offering three reasons for and against the Thunder bringing back the ex-Rocket, Mayberry spoke to Martin about his looming free agency. Here are a few of the notable quotes:
On what factors will play a role in Martin's free agent decision:
"I don't know. I can have a perception of what's going to go into it, but this is going to be my first time doing it. My perception would be happiness and a good fit basketball-wise. I'm in a situation that after nine years I don't have to chase money. So I think that part goes into a lot of guys' minds when it happens. But for me, I found a new happiness here when I got traded here. It feels like a good fit. But we'll see when it comes around."
On the possibility of joining a non-contender that could pay him more and provide a larger role:
"I think that's where it just comes down to, what would you be happy with? And I love being a major piece on a championship-caliber team. I'm enjoying the ride."
On what he expects from the free agent process:
"I guess that time for any player — especially one in my position where teams may still see me as a guy that can carry an offensive load for any team; and I still feel like I can score 20 just by waking up — is interesting. But it'll be fun also. Hopefully it's over as soon as possible and I'll be in a place where I'll want to be and where a team will want me."
On whether he's as happy in OKC now as he was when he first arrived:
"Oh, most definitely. And a lot of that goes beyond basketball. To me, basketball's the easy part. It's how the organization is ran, how the community is, just interacting with the players the past five months that I've been here. It's honestly one of the greatest basketball experiences I've had in my career. I've been on one of the worst teams record-wise, and now I'm on one of the best. I've been a focal point of the offense and now I'm like the third option."