According to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the San Antonio Spurs have interest in 35-year old forward Kenyon Martin.
Teams interested in Kenyon Martin: Lakers, Clippers, Spurs, Knicks, Nets, source says
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 3, 2013
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In 18 regular season games with the New York Knicks, Martin averaged 7.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, and shot 60% from the field in roughly 23.9 minutes per game.
Martin is coming off the Knicks’ payroll having made $437, 470 last season. In terms of what he brings to the court, he’s still an active undersized big (6’9”) who is a decent help defender who does gamble in trying to get his hands in passing lanes. However, he can be undersized against bigger post players.
Offensively, he doesn’t have the same speed burst or jumping ability that made him a one-time All-Star with the New Jersey Nets, but he’s pretty established in running the pick-and-roll as he used to play with Jason Kidd in his prime.
Whether or not the Spurs can sign Martin would remain to be seen until the team officially signs Tiago Splitter and Manu Ginobili (presumably July 10th), and if no other team gives restricted free agent Gary Neal an offer they won’t match.
Martin, who has been to the Finals twice but has never won a championship ring, could be the type of veteran to take a substantial pay cut just to have the opportunity to play for the ring.
As the Spurs are showing they’re bringing back their entire front court that was one rebound away from winning a championship, there is an open spot in the front court since DeJuan Blair will most likely sign elsewhere.
