NBA Trade Rumors: Available Guards Knicks Must Pursue

Nov 27, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard

(23) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Martin, Minnesota Timberwolves

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 32

Salary: $7,085,000

Slash Line: .367/.378/.876

Season Averages: 25.0 MPG, 12.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.1 3PM

Yes, I know. Kevin Martin is a lackluster defender, to say the very least, which thus suggests that it’d spell trouble for him to operate alongside Jose Calderon in the New York Knicks’ backcourt.

Here’s the thing: if any team would be willing to take on Calderon’s contract, it’d likely be Minnesota.

Calderon and Martin make similar money, which opens the door financially. On Minnesota’s end, Calderon could be the missing mentor to help fellow Spaniard Ricky Rubio develop his jump shot.

According to Jerry Zgoda of The Star Tribune, the Timberwolves are aware of Martin’s preference to be traded and are on the same page as the 32-year-old.

"Judging by comments made by Mitchell and Martin, Saturday’s decision could become routine until Martin is traded. He spoke briefly on the subject, saying “with respect to my teammates and the organization, we’re going to keep it in-house right now. Both sides know what each other wants. There will be a time to talk about it, but it’s just not now.” Mitchell said he and the team must look to the future."

In targeting Martin, New York would essentially commit to the tandem of Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant at point guard.

Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis are playing well offensively, but when one falters, the entire team suffers. Martin may not be the athlete that he once was, but he’s an accurate shooter who knows how to draw contact.

If nothing else, Martin’s ability to space the floor would be of immense value to the Knicks moving forward—and for a very affordable cost.

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