Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Kevin Martin (L) drives past Los Angeles Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell. (Photo : Getty Images)
Since receiving a fifth consecutive Did Not Play - Coach's Decision (DNP-CD) in the Minnesota Timberwolves' 115-90 loss against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 31, shooting guard Kevin Martin was again the subject of recent trade rumors and one of them is a speculated move to the Dallas Mavericks.
Fansided's Isaac Harris reported that the 11-year pro "has found himself on the trade block in Minnesota as the Timberwolves look to increase the minutes of their younger players".
The five straight DNP's even while he is perfectly healthy is said to be a clear indication that his time in Minnesota may be numbered as the February trade deadline approaches. In fact, the NBA's official website revealed that the Wolves had already made Martin "available in trade talks".
Harris continued that the Mavericks could be one of the teams interested in dealing for the 32-year-old veteran and point guard Raymond Felton and power forward Dwight Powell is suggested to be the trade pieces involves in the potential deal.
Such scenario is approved by the ESPN NBA Trade Machine although Hollinger's Analysis indicates that both teams are set to decrease their potential wins if the trade said would push through.
Harris noted that "Felton would give Minnesota a legit backup to the injury plagued Ricky Rubio" while Powell "is a young budding player that can battle for minutes at the power forward spot behind Kevin Garnett".
Meanwhile, Martin could continue to play his most effective role in Dallas, a scoring and shooting sixth man, something that the Mavs virtually lacked this season.
Dallas had been injury-plagued this season, which continue to affect their rotation. With Martin, the Mavs will have a consistent bench scoring threat and he could also be called to move in the starting unit from time to time as the need arises.
