Kevin Martin is on his way out of Minnesota.
The veteran guard has agreed to a contract buyout with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
OFFICIAL: The #Twolves announce the team has waived guard Kevin Martin https://t.co/YAKkU5fPsD pic.twitter.com/Oo5QsBl8Fb
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 2, 2016
Reports began coming out a bit before the news became official.
ESPN sources say that the Timberwolves and Kevin Martin have reached terms on a buyout agreement and have submitted it for league approval
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 2, 2016
Following @ESPNSteinLine recent tweet…Kevin Martin just texted: "After a sleepless 5 days, I have accepted an agreement I'm excited about"
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) March 2, 2016
Martin averaged 10.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in 39 games for the Wolves this season. He hit 37 percent of his 3-pointers, but had seen his playing time dwindle in recent weeks as the Wolves have focused on their younger talent.
The Associated Press reports that a source confirmed the sides reached agreement late Tuesday night, about 30 minutes before the 11 p.m. Central deadline.
Martin had kind words to say to the Wolves after reaching the buyout.
Kevin Martin statement of reaching buyout from T-Wolves. pic.twitter.com/GySMzYNUu6
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 2, 2016
By agreeing to the buyout, Martin will have a chance to join a team in playoff contention. The Wolves will be able to unload a veteran and a large salary and won’t have to worry about Martin exercising an option in his contract to remain in Minnesota next season.
San Antonio remains a strong favorite to land Kevin Martin, according to league sources, but Dallas, Houston and Atlanta are also in pursuit
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 2, 2016
Reports of a potential buyout involving Martin and the Wolves have been circulating ever since Minnesota was unable to trade the veteran guard prior to the NBA’s Trade Deadline.
Suitors will likely be lining up to sign Martin now that he’s a free agent.
