Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Hurdles to trading Kevin Martin

By Ben Beecken

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Nov 8, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) makes a three point basket as Miami Heat guard Shabazz Napier (13) defends during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Hurdle #4: The Return

What would the Wolves get in return?

Washington and Dallas were both mentioned by Mannix as potential destinations for Martin, but there isn’t much in young players that would come back to the Wolves. It’s hard to see Saunders swapping his starting shooting guard for expiring contracts, especially if he’s trying to sell the Wolves as a team that could be competitive as soon as next season.

Martin has more value than expiring contracts, but it’s unclear exactly how much. His own contract and age are the biggest reasons, but he’s still a starting-caliber player for a playoff team that can hide his defensive deficiencies.

Dallas simply doesn’t have any young pieces to trade after wheeling and dealing all over the place over the past year-plus. And Washington doesn’t have any cap space. They aren’t going to give the Wolves a legitimate young rotation player with big upside like Otto Porter, Jr. or Bradley Beal, and the Wolves won’t want to take on Martell Webster‘s contracts and injuries.

It’s doubtful that anyone will give up a first-round pick for Martin, but you never know for sure. That’s certainly where Saunders asking price will begin, and it will keep K-Mart in Minnesota for the time being.

The summer is a totally different thing, as if Saunders thinks he has a free agent deal in place with a big signing or a larger trade is falling into place, Martin’s contract is/will be eminently more movable than say, Pekovic’s.

We’ll keep our eye on the situation, but don’t expect Martin to be going anywhere before the deadline.

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