Sixers forward KJ Martin underwent an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed a stress reaction in his left foot, the team announced (Twitter link via Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports).
Martin will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks, according to the 76ers.
Martin was expected to have a modest role in Philadelphia this season, but injuries up and down the roster opened the door for him to play regular minutes and he secured a rotation spot with his strong play in recent weeks. Since November 24, he has started six of 12 Sixers games and averaged 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per contest, with a .614/.375/.867 shooting line.
Wings Caleb Martin, Eric Gordon, and Ricky Council, along with forward/center Guerschon Yabusele, are among the candidates for increased roles for as long as KJ Martin on the shelf.
Martin’s recovery from his left foot injury will also be worth monitoring for trade purposes. He re-signed with the team over the summer on a two-year, $16MM contract that is non-guaranteed for the second season, making it a de facto expiring deal. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are the only three players on the roster earning more than about $8.15MM, and they certainly won’t be going anywhere, so Martin, at $7.98MM, is among of the highest-paid trade candidates on the roster.
Martin will become trade-eligible on January 15.
He has played really well so far this year. Hopefully he is back in minimal time