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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Kevin Martin

By John Buhler

Jan 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) reacts after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) reacts after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) drives for the basket between Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo (3) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Kevin Martin (23) drives for the basket between Milwaukee Bucks guard O.J. Mayo (3) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are young, but promising. At 19-26 and in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, last year’s No. 6 isn’t going to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs again in 2016. However, it is in the Bucks’ best interest as an organization to look for ways to improve their roster heading into next year.

One player that could aid in Milwaukee’s development offensively is Kevin Martin. Martin is an 11-year NBA veteran and one of the better three-point shooters in the NBA the last decade. While his shooting mechanics aren’t going to do much in helping Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Carter-Williams, and even Jabari Parker develop three-point shots, perhaps he can help any of those three players approach outside shooting with a fresh perspective?

Part of Milwaukee’s downfall this season has been a void of veteran leadership. The young Bucks have to lean on Miles Plumlee and O.J. Mayo more than they should. Who knew that Zaza Pachulia’s veteran presence in the low post was so valuable? He was almost a starter for the Western Conference All-Stars due to his strong play in Dallas this season.

Martin would need to come to Milwaukee with another veteran to help get the Bucks in the right direction in the second half an on to 2017. One theoretical trade would be to send Martin to Milwaukee with point guard Ricky Rubio for Carter Williams and either Plumlee or Mayo.

Martin could still play alongside Rubio, as Milwaukee’s frontcourt trio of Antetokounmpo, Parker, and center Greg Monroe continue to grow together. Minnesota would get a more athletic point guard in Carter-Williams that could form a new core three with the Timberwolves in small forward Andrew Wiggins and power forward Karl-Anthony Towns. Either Mayo or Plumlee would provide a rotational player for Minnesota to possibly even out the deal.

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