NBA Trade Rumors: Why Kevin Martin Won't Be Dealt to Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Martin is the starting shooting guard on the playoff-bound Houston Rockets.

So why would he be traded?

That's what Martin was trying to figure out after Bill Ingram of HOOPSWORLD unleashed this rumor on Wednesday:

"

It’s not really a secret that Kevin Martin is unhappy in Houston. His minutes have been inconsistent, and he’s heard his name come up multiple times in trade rumors after GM Daryl Morey told him he was untouchable. He also doesn’t appreciate that the Rockets are doing to him what they do to everyone come contract time. No early extension (Martin has one more year on his contract), and a promise to do everything possible to drive down his value to re-sign him as cheaply as possible.

"

Martin basically responded with, "Huh?"

Martin told the Houston Chronicle:

"

"I think it's an inappropriate article. A writer must be starving for attention. He's not going to bring a distraction around our team. I'm the team's leading scorer, and we're in the playoff hunt. I don't understand how I could not be happy about that. Basically, he's just making it up. Individually and team-wise, we're doing pretty well."

"

Ingram also added:

"

It’s also no secret that Rick Adelman would welcome Martin with open arms, should the Rockets value something from the Timberwolves’ roster worthy of a trade for Martin. To date that connection has not been made, but it’s something that’s slow-cooking on the back burner as the trade deadline inches closer. Sources close to the situation believe the Rockets prefer to keep Courtney Lee, who is a better defender and will ultimately cost the team less money than Martin.

"

I see where Ingram is going with this, but you don't trade your leading scorer when you're having a successful season, particularly when he's proclaiming to be happy.

This would obviously be a boon for the Timberwolves, who could pair Martin with star rookie Ricky Rubio in the backcourt while Kevin Love dominates.

But, besides saving money, how does this help the Rockets? Lee may be a better defender, but he won't make up for the 18 points per game Martin is giving the team.

If the Rockets weren't winning ball games, I could see this happening. But they're 7-3 in their past 10 games and have won three straight. They've beaten the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers during this stretch.

Trading Martin would kill the Rockets at this point.

You have to believe the Rockets organization is smarter than that.