Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns are interested in Philadelphia 76ers wing K.J. Martin, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
The Suns reportedly reached out to the Sixers to have exploratory talks on the former second-round pick.
Martin began the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he was quickly traded away in the deal that brought James Harden to Los Angeles.
Martin figured to have a chance to earn minutes with the Sixers in their wing rotation, but he’s played sparingly this season.
The No. 52 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has appeared in 28 games for Philly, but he’s averaging just 7.6 minutes per game. Overall this season, Martin is averaging 2.3 points, 1.0 rebound and 0.5 assists per game across 30 contests. He’s shooting 50.0 percent from the field.
The Suns may view Martin as a player that could earn minutes in the team’s rotation on the wing. Phoenix has played a lot of players at that spot, including Josh Okogie, Nassir Little, Yuta Watanabe and Keita Bates-Diop this season.
The Suns also have Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon, who appear to be entrenched in the team’s rotation because of their shooting prowess.
Phoenix has been playing well as of late, climbing to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference by winning seven of its last 10 games.
The team has a superstar trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, but the Suns seem to be eyeing an upgrade to the supporting cast around them. Since the team has its eyes on an NBA title this season, it makes sense that the Suns are looking for any available help.
Martin began his career with the Houston Rockets, although he was actually drafted by the Sacramento Kings. The young forward had the best season of his career in the 2022-23 season, averaging 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for Houston. He appeared in all 82 games that season, making 49 starts.
While it doesn’t seem like Martin will get a major role in Philly in head coach Nick Nurse’s rotation for now, it’s possible he could with another franchise like Phoenix.
The NBA’s trade deadline is set for Feb. 8.
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