Minnesota Timberwolves: Hurdles to trading Kevin Martin

Feb 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) shoots the ball past Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Hurdle #1: The Contract

Kevin Martin is owed more than $14.4 million over the next two seasons. It’s a lot for a guy who just turned 32-years old and will be 34 by the time this contract is up. He’s a horrible defender, and he will only get slower and potentially more injury-prone as he ages.

At the same time, the contract’s value doesn’t seem quite as bad right now as it did nearly two years ago when Martin signed to rejoin Rick Adelman in Minnesota. He was so efficient offensively for the Wolves last year that it more than made up for his defensive shortcomings.

This season, Martin has only played 15 games due to injury and it’s too small of a sample size to judge him too harshly, but his offensive efficiency has dipped a bit and his issues on defense have been magnified.

In just three games alongside Ricky Rubio, however, Martin has found easier (read: open) shots and has picked up his defensive effort and efficiency, and has no doubt buoyed his trade value. It’s easy to tell how much Rubio effects Martin’s game in a positive way, of course, so his value may be much higher with Minnesota than with some other rosters.

Next: Competency on the Wing