Sixers’ KJ Martin Likely on the Move as Trade Deadline Looms
Alright, let’s talk about KJ Martin and his expected trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. The buzz around the league is getting louder, and all signs point to Martin being shipped out before the deadline. Reports from multiple NBA insiders, including Kyle Neubeck and Jake Fischer, confirm that the Sixers are actively exploring trade options, with a deal likely to be finalized soon.
Now, if you’ve been following the Sixers this season, this move isn’t exactly shocking. Martin hasn’t played since December 23 due to a foot injury, and even before that, his role on the team was limited. In the 24 games he did play, he averaged 6.4 points and 3 rebounds in about 20 minutes per game. While those numbers aren’t jaw-dropping, Martin still has value—especially when you look at his contract situation.
Also Read:- Cathay Pacific’s New Aria Suite Business Class Takes Off in Singapore
- Justin Trudeau Pushes to Revive UK-Canada Trade Talks Amid Trump’s Trade Tensions
He’s making $7.98 million this season, and his $8.03 million salary for next year is non-guaranteed. That’s a key factor here. Teams looking to clear cap space for next season could see Martin as a smart financial move. And that’s exactly what Philly seems to be doing—this trade appears to be more about financial flexibility than anything else. The Sixers are currently about $6.5 million over the tax line, so if they move Martin without taking back salary, they could dip below that threshold.
This move comes right after another trade the Sixers made—sending Caleb Martin to the Dallas Mavericks for Quentin Grimes and a second-round pick. That deal gave them some additional depth on the wing, but moving KJ Martin could simply be about clearing salary.
As for potential landing spots, teams like Detroit, Orlando, Washington, Houston, Sacramento, and Oklahoma City have the cap space or trade exceptions to take on Martin’s contract without sending a player back. Some rumors have linked him to Sacramento, but nothing is confirmed yet.
One interesting angle here is Martin’s previous stint with the Houston Rockets. Would he go back? That’s unclear, especially since part of the reason he left Houston was reportedly his desire for a bigger role. But at this point, Martin isn’t in a position to dictate where he lands—his next destination will depend on which team sees value in his contract and skill set.
So, here we are, waiting for the final word on this trade. Will it be a straight salary dump? Will the Sixers get draft picks in return? We’ll find out soon enough. What’s clear is that KJ Martin’s time in Philly is about to come to an end.
Read More:
0 Comments