Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Kevin Martin (R) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers' D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly disclosed their intention to sign veteran shooting guard Kevin Martin if the Minnesota Timberwolves buys out his existing contract after the NBA trade deadline passed last Thursday.
Fansided reported, citing ESPN's Tim MacMahon, that "the Mavericks don't have any desire to trade for Martin and his expensive contract, but would rather wait until his contract was possibly bought out by the Timberwolves".
Martin is currently in the third year of his four-year, $27.8 million contract with the Wolves that will earn him around $7.1 million this year.
Minnesota is said to be hoping that he would opt out of his player option at the end of the season, but reports said that the 6-foot-7 two guard is keen on "opting in" to finish the fourth and last year of his contract next season. According to reports, this may force the Wolves to buy out his contract as the franchise is keen on building up their core made up of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Zach LaVine who are all in their early 20's.
Hoops Hype noted that "the Timberwolves are going in another direction, and really have no use for Martin". The team is now focused on developing Wiggins and LaVine at Martin's position so playing him "22.6 minutes per game isn't needed".
The 33-year-old Zanesville, Ohio native is in the middle of two generations in the Wolves' roster. On one side are the 20-year-old's mentioned above and on the other are the aging veterans Kevin Garnett, Tayshaun Prince, and Andre Miller, which makes him the odd man out.
Martin would be a great addition to a team like Dallas who is set to enter the postseason. His reliable scoring and efficient outside shooting will help the Mavericks a lot to go deep in the playoffs whether as a starter or bench player.
It is widely known that the Wolves had been trying to trade Martin since the beginning of the season. With the NBA trade deadline passed and still no takers for his services, it sure looks like it's only a matter of time when Minnesota releases him to begin his free agency.
