Two shooters are involved in NBA Trade Rumors and the simple solution could be a swap for each other.
The LA Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves are about to take on different paths as the Clippers seem to have gotten out of their funk and the Timberwolves are whirling out of playoff contention.
But they have one thing in common: they have veteran shooters on the trading block. Jamal Crawford has been on the trade rumor mill, and recently, in an AP report (h/t Yahoo), Kevin Martin of the T-Wolves has also been declared to be on the block.
Minnesota is rich with young players on the wing, with Andrew Wiggins, Zach Lavine and Shabazz Muhammad in the spotlight. The team wants to prioritize the development of these young players and give them more playing time. They are the team's future and Martin may not have a place in that.
Still, Martin has his admirers, even on the opposing bench. ''You look at his numbers every year, very efficient offensive player,'' Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. ''He has the uncanny ability to draw contact and get to the line.''
The words "efficient offensive player" is not the phrase to describe Clippers players Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith. Hence, a player like Martin would be attractive to Doc Rivers.
Minnesota Timberwolves fan site Canis Hoopus has proposed to swap the two shooters. Martin and a Timberwolves 2016 2nd rounder for Jamal Crawford and guard CJ Wilcox.
The Wolves can accept Crawford as he is an expiring contract. Also, Martin has demanded more touches and playing time-something the Wolves would not give.
For the Clippers, they get a younger replacement for Crawford who is more reliable than the other shooters on their team. It's a simple trade based on the Clippers' playoff pursuit this year and the Wolves' focus on the future.