The Timberwolves have put Kevin Martin on the trading block in an effort to give younger players on the roster more playing time, Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press reports.
AP Source: With Zach LaVine exhibiting scoring chops and Andrew Wiggins also playing SG, #TWolves now looking to trade Kevin Martin.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 17, 2015
Re: Kevin Martin: Wolves need to free up more wing time for LaVine, Muhammad, Wiggins. And w/8 losses in 9 gms, time to do something
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 17, 2015
Wolves coach Sam Mitchell has been jockeying minutes at shooting guard between Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Martin. If Martin is dealt, it would allow the Wolves to give LaVine and other young wing players – like Shabazz Muhammad – more playing time.
Derek James of 1500 ESPN thinks trading Martin could be beneficial for Martin and the Wolves.
“If the Timberwolves can find the right deal for Martin, then this could be a transaction that is mutually beneficial. Freeing up playing time for their young wings and even more financial flexibility would be a win for the team. Conversely, coming off of the bench for a contender may be more appealing for Martin than doing so for a lottery team.”
Martin is averaging 12.7 points per game this season and he’s normally a very reliable 3-point shooter, although he’s shooting just 34.8 percent from deep this season. LaVine, meanwhile, is averaging 15 points per game while shooting 35.5 percent from three, including nine games this season with multiple threes.
Per the report, the Wolves talked with two teams about trading Martin earlier in the season, but they were 8-8 at the time, but after losing eight of the last nine games the Wolves are again open to dealing him.
Martin (wrist) did not play in Minnesota’s 107-102 loss to the Knicks Wednesday night.
