NBA Speculation: Most Likely Landing Spots for Kenyon Martin
The NBA lockout has caused many NBA players to begin a career search in other countries. Kenyon Martin is one of these players.
Martin signed a contract to play for the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers in China. Martin cannot join a NBA team until his contract is up with the China-based team.
A possible date for his return to the NBA is around February 18. With many teams fighting for a playoff spot, many can use Martin's veteran presence.
Here is a list of possible landing destinations for the veteran forward.
New York Knicks
1 of 4With a vacant roster spot and $2.5 million to spend, the New York Knicks can be a landing spot for the veteran forward.
Martin played seven seasons with Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony while the two were stationed in Denver.
According to The New York Post, Carmelo gives full approval in bringing back his former teammate.
After recovering from knee surgery last season, Martin averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in only 48 appearances with the Nuggets.
Martin will bring a nice defensive addition to New York, most likely coming off the bench.
Miami Heat
2 of 4Martin's list of prospective teams is exclusively made up of playoff contenders, according to Yahoo Sports. Miami is exactly that.
Although the Heat can only offer the league's veteran minimum of $1.4 million, Martin would not hesitate to join James, Wade and Bosh in downtown Miami.
With Udonis Haslem leading the team in rebounds, Miami could use another tough and rugged forward to help crash the boards.
Los Angeles Clippers
3 of 4The Los Angeles Clippers required the biggest offseason addition in the NBA when they traded for point guard Chris Paul.
It is clear that the "other LA team" is trying to get out of the spotlight of their roommate, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Adding a veteran forward of Martin's caliber will help a Clippers team who currently ranks 26th overall in rebounds per game.
Like the Knicks, the Clippers will be able to offer Martin around the $2.5 million range.
San Antonio Spurs
4 of 4The San Antonio Spurs are another team pursuing Martin, according to ESPN.
The Spurs currently rank 22nd in the league in rebounds grabbing 41.5 per game, with veteran Tim Duncan leading the way with 7.5 rebounds per game.
Martin would help contribute from the bench for the Spurs but because of the luxury tax, don't expect San Antonio to be a front runner in the Martin sweepstakes.
