NBA Rumors: Clippers Make Most Sense for Kenyon Martin

With Kenyon Martin reportedly aching to get back to the United States, several contenders appear to be showing interest in the 34-year-old power forward.

On Friday, Chris Broussard of ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks were all taking a look at Martin, according to league sources.

Of all five, the Clippers appear to be the best fit for the athletic big man.

Martin is currently playing for the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers after signing a contract in the offseason. As soon as the season ends, he'll be allowed to seek a team in the NBA. If the Flying Tigers don't make the playoffs, he'll be able to sign as soon as Feb. 16.

Despite being 34 years old now, the former Denver Nuggets big man is still a solid rebounder, defender and shot blocker. On top of that, he still has the leaping ability that has made him a threat on the fast break throughout his career.

Not only are the Clippers in a good position to land Martin (with a $2.5 million mini-midlevel exception), he helps in several key areas for them and bolsters their fast-break attack.

The Clippers are averaging 40.5 rebounds per game this season, good for 26th in the NBA. They're also allowing opponents to score 95.8 points per game, 21st in the league.

Despite scoring 97.1 points per game led by point guard Chris Paul and power forward Blake Griffin, they still could use some help on defensive end—particularly on the glass.

Martin would be a solid addition to the Clippers' bench, occasionally giving Griffin rest while coming in and potentially helping the Clippers win the battle against their opponents' second teams. He also could find himself on the right end of Paul's alley-oops running the floor.

The Knicks are the other team that holds a $2.5 million mini-midlevel exception and would be another likely destination for Martin, but the Clippers would be a better fit.

I wouldn't be surprised if Martin ended up in Los Angeles after leaving the Flying Tigers.