We’ve been talking about the likelihood of the Timberwolves’ shooting guard Kevin Martin being traded for weeks now, and it’s becoming more apparent that such a move is likely coming.
For starters, Martin is a logical player to move. He’s a 32 year-old with a long history of scoring efficiently and he has a contract that is now considered favorable. Martin also plays the same primary position as second-year players Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine.
Relieving the logjam could be achieved by moving a very movable piece, so it only makes sense. The timing is interesting as the team started the season well and isn’t especially deep with NBA-caliber rotation players, but seems coincide with a minor wrist issue that cause Martin to miss a game a couple of weeks ago.
It would make sense for the Wolves to make sure that his wrist is 100 percent healthy, as showcasing a 12-year veteran likely isn’t necessary. Making sure he’s healthy and able to play significant minutes is vital.
We discussed possible landing spots and returns that the Wolves might be able to get in exchange for Martin both here and as part of our most recent No Frills Wolves Podcast. There are no shortage of possibilities, and the veteran scorer is quite obviously be best of Minnesota’s viable trade chips.
Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune wrote on this topic for the Sunday paper, complete with quotes from head coach Sam Mitchell and Martin himself.
"Judging by comments made by Mitchell and Martin, Saturday’s decision could become routine until Martin is traded.He spoke briefly on the subject, saying “with respect to my teammates and the organization, we’re going to keep it in-house right now. Both sides know what each other wants. There will be a time to talk about it, but it’s just not now.”Mitchell said he and the team must look to the future.“You have to be realistic,” Mitchell said. “I’m not saying K-Mart and some of our veteran players won’t continue to play, but you can’t do everything. We’re still trying to win games, but we’re trying to give our young guys an opportunity to win games. If not, we’re going to be in the same situation next year trying to figure out who can play, what position they play. We need them to get better and the only way they’re going to get better is to play.”Asked if his attitude will be an issue should the Wolves continue to sit him, Martin said, “My attitude hasn’t been an issue since my mom spanked me for the first time when I was 6 years old.”"
It’s pretty tough to be more clear than Martin was in his comments without saying exactly what the plan might be…sure seems like he’s on the trading block.
And not only that, Zgoda goes on to say that he’s heard from a league source that “playoff teams from both conferences” have contacted the Wolves front office regarding Martin. It’s not a surprise, as Martin’s long-range proficiency (38.5 career three-point percentage) and free throw line accuracy (career 87 percent) speak volumes about what he could do for a contending team’s bench unit.
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As Wolves fans know, however, Martin’s ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line is not like it was even a few years ago. But the shooting ability is still there, and literally every other organization in the NBA values three-point shooting more than the Timberwolves.
In other words, there will be takers.