The Timberwolves have made Kevin Martin available in discussions about potential trades, a source told Jon Krawczynski of The Associated Press. Minnesota wants to find more time for younger perimeter players Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine, according to Krawczynski. The potential that LaVine has shown to become a scorer and the increased amount of time Wiggins is seeing at shooting guard, plus the eight losses in nine games that the team has suffered, have helped prompt GM Milt Newton and company to put the 32-year-old Martin on the block and focus on Wiggins, LaVine and Shabazz Muhammad, Krawczynski explains.
Minnesota spoke with two teams about Martin early this season but was reluctant to move him amid a promising 8-8 start, Krawczynski writes. He began the season on the bench but the team made him a starter in late November to help him break out of a shooting slump, according to Krawczynski. The 12th-year veteran is nailing only 36.7% of his field goal attempts, a career low. Martin didn’t play in the team’s loss to the Knicks because of a sprained right (shooting) wrist, notes Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, and he’s questionable for Friday’s game against the Kings.
Martin was a part of trade talk last winter, when a series of reports identified the Mavericks, Wizards, Bulls, Kings and Rockets as interested parties, though late Wolves coach/executive Flip Saunders didn’t appear willing to trade him or work a buyout. The Mavs, who signed Wesley Matthews in the offseason, were no longer interested as of October, according to a report at that time from Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, and it’s unclear if any of the other teams linked to him almost a year ago are still eyeing him.
Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca speculates the Raptors might have interest, citing Martin’s track record as a scorer and an asset to team chemistry as well as his relationship with a few of Toronto’s players, though he suggests his contract could be a stumbling block (Twitter links). Martin is making $7.085MM this season with a player option for nearly $7.378MM next year.
What team do you think would make sense for Martin? Leave a comment to let us know.
Memphis, Heat, Pelicans, Atlanta, and Milwaukee could all use shooting on the wing
Obviously we have heard names like the Bulls, Griz, but what about the Hornets ( PJ, Brian Roberts, Hansborough as filer) or Clippers or maybe even Warriors (Not sure they want to mess w/ chemistry but what about a swap for J. Thompson & Looney?
Trade snell and brooks
How about a swap with the Jazz? Martin for Trevor Booker might make some sense.
Memphis makes the most sense if it were based solely on offensive production, which Memphis has struggled to find at SG all season. If Martin can rediscover his shooting, they get a 3pt marksman who can create his own shot and get to the line. Only problem is Martin is a big downgrade defensively, so it would be a gamble on whether his offense can nullify his bad defense.
On a side note, should a deal with Memphis happen, I think it would be pretty interesting if Memphis included Vince Carter in any deal. With KG, Tayshaun Prince, and Andre Miller on the roster, adding Vince Carter would give the group of four a combined 66 years of experience in the NBA. The Timberpups would now have 4 sages to learn from.
I would expect the Raptors to have a good shot at getting Martin based on their team needs, his potential role on that team and how he could be a key member of a key member of a top team almost right away.
It also doesn’t hurt that he has some friends on the team either and has always been fond of Toronto.
I hope as a Kevin Martin fan that he goes to Toronto and has a chance to play a meaningful role for a contending team, (once healthy).
Once Toronto gets Jonas and Carol back, Toronto (with Martin property utilized), should be a top 3 Eastern team and have a chance to make the Eastern Conference finals this year.
Said Kings is Interested. How about Martin for Seth Curry swap? For me it’s ideal, because Timberwolves need space where Rubio & Andrew Wiggins can attack. And i’ve currently looked on his stat lines, and shooting 60%+ from 3! It’s just different to have a Curry on your bloodline.
Portland Trailblazers to help out Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and the young team. He would be excellent sixth man coming off the bench to provide spark and veteran leadership to the team looking to make a run in the playoffs by going far as possibly Western Conference Finals to make up a tough NFL season for the Seahawks. Trailblazers also could use help at center by going after Pau Gasol from the Bulls for experience at the position.