Kevin Martin (23) (Photo : Hannah Foslien | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors continue for the embattled Memphis Grizzlies and the young Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Grizzlies, despite a recovery from their dismal start, has already conceded to a total change in philosophy as they wean from the grit and grind.
The Minnesota Timberwolves on the other hand, wants to focus on the future with their young, talented core. Admittedly, a player like Kevin Martin could stand in the way and that's why they decided to place him on the trading block. In fact, CBS mentioned that he is already out of the rotation and might even sit out games.
"Martin figures to be a healthy scratch again Saturday against the Pacers - a trend that could continue until the Timberwolves are able to trade him," CBS said. "Clearly the Timberwolves are more interested in developing their young players, and giving Martin minutes would get in the way of that."
Martin is still a steady shooter whose presence could boost a contender's chances, but his contract is still lengthy which makes his trade more of a challenge. A team like Memphis, who is eager to try something new could take the calculated risk.
The Grizzlies have the challenge of trying to keep Mike Conley, who will become a free agent at the end of the season. Thus, they need to keep the team relevant without blowing it up.
Hoops Habit proposed trading Courtney Lee and Jordan Adams for Martin and Adreian Payne. The main point for the Grizz: The y "don't get heavy production from their 2 guards and have been perennially devoid of ideal effectiveness from behind the arc. Martin isn't Kyle Korver, but among players currently trying to be dealt, he's a bounce-back candidate with a pedigree for making shots and scoring at a high clip."
For the Timberwolves, Lee is an expiring contract so there's low risk with him. Also, he is less likely to take opportunities away from players like Zach Lavine and Andrew Wiggins.
