Kevin Martin Buyout Deadline Looms

Kevin Martin is not yet a free agent but, for the Cleveland Cavaliers and other contenders, the deadline is today.

For an NBA player to be eligible to play in the Playoffs he must be waived (or already on the team obviously) by today. For the Cavs, who lost out on Joe Johnson and are still looking for more help, Martin might be their best hope for a talented player that they can still add to their roster.

With Channing Frye already getting a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coaches Decision) along with Richard Jefferson last night, it is unclear whether any new additions would get meaningful minutes. Joining the Cavs so late, it would be important for a new player to get court time to acclimate to the new system and their new teammates.

For Martin, tonight’s deadline looms:

Update: Martin did reach a buyout late last night and it looks like the San Antonio Spurs are the front-runners for his services:

Not overly shocking given that his former teammate Andre Miller just signed with them and seemed to hint that Martin could follow. Have to wonder if the Cavs bring in anyone other than D-League guys at this point.

End Update

If Martin is not bought out and waived today, he likely stays on the T’Wolves for the rest of the season. Buyout conversations have reportedly been ongoing for a few days now. If Martin really wants to play with a contender, he will have to give up more than he probably wants. Besides doing a solid for Martin, the team has little reason to buyout Martin unless for money.

Martin’s history lends to him being a productive, helpful player for the Cavs. The 11-year veteran has averaged 17.6 points per game with quality shooting percentages, 44% from the field and 39% from 3 point land. He only has averaged 1.9 assists per game along with 3.2 rebounds.

This year he is playing 21 minutes a game for the young T’Wolves squad. He is averaging 10.6 PPG, 1.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds. He is shooting 38% from the field and 37% from behind the arc.

Behind those man numbers is that Martin struggles defensively with a 105.9 defensive rating. He compares similar to Marcus Thornton defensively who we talked about here.

More from King James Gospel

• 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
• The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
• 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
• 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
• This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead

From a catch and shoot perspective, Martin is shooting a decent 38.2% on 2.9 attempts per game. If given similar minutes with the Cavs, Martin would get more of these attempts and likely more wide open looks.

With the way Iman Shumpert has been shooting, Martin would be a welcome addition off the bench offensively.

All could be moot if Martin and the T’Wolves are unable to come to a buyout today.

The deadline looms should the Cavs want to sign the veteran swingman.

Is Kevin Martin your pick for the Cavs if he gets bought out?