Kevin Martin was once a 20-point scorer, night in and night out and there is good reason to think that he is still capable of producing those numbers.
However, on a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves who has player development as a priority over their win-loss record, Martin has to give way.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, interim coach Sam Mitchell has slated sophomore and NBA Dunk champion Zach Lavine into the starting shooting guard position.
"Sam Mitchell told his former SiriusXM NBA Radio pals today that he 'absolutely' plans to start Zach LaVine over vet Kevin Martin at shooting guard."
While Mitchell elaborated that the position is written "in pencil instead of pen" hinting that the starting slot is Lavine's to lose, the fact remains that Martin has been taken out of the starting five.
The Star Tribune also reminded us of Martin's situation: "He's in the same position as Corey Brewer was last year -- able to opt out of the final year of his contract after this season -- and Brewer was traded in December."
Does this mean that Martin would be traded? It makes sense since it was also rumored that he would be part of the package to acquire Kevin Love, apparently to get rid of his contract.
A team like the Cleveland Cavaliers who will stop at nothing to win now, would be interested in taking Martin, a shooter who offers real points. He would be a better, more stable option than JR Smith.
A Real GM forum user "Domejandro" proposed that Cleveland send Joe Harris and a 2018 first round pick for Martin. The pick would most likely be in the latter half (if LeBron stays in Cleveland) but it would still be an asset.
Will this trade push through or will other teams make a bid for Kevin Martin?