Knicks Rumors: Kenyon Martin Should Accept Veteran's Minimum to Play with N.Y.

Kenyon Martin is one of the top free agents left on the market and has a great opportunity to sign with the New York Knicks. 

Last year, Martin struggled to make a large impact off of the Los Angeles Clippers' bench, but the 34-year-old power forward still has enough left in the tank to be a valuable contributor to a championship-contending team. 

However, Martin is complicating the process by refusing to sign for the veteran's minimum, according to ESPN New York's Jared Zwerling: 

"

Regarding Kenyon Martin, out of available PFs, he'd make most sense for NYK. Versatile, knows Melo/JR. But source says won't sign for min.

— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) August 2, 2012"

If this is the case and Martin won't budge from his stance, he's making a huge mistake. 

Playing Time

With the New York Knicks, Martin would be afforded more playing time than he would with most other teams in the NBA. 

At this point in his impressive career, the power forward can't expect a starting role to emerge, which makes the Knicks all the more attractive as a potential destination. 

According to Rotoworld's depth charts, Amar'e Stoudemire is the starting power forward, with Chris Copeland serving as the primary backup.

Stoudemire is entrenched in the starting five—when he's healthy—but Copeland's spot is undoubtedly available. The Knicks would love to have a veteran presence like Martin in the second unit instead of an older rookie.  

Lack of Other Options

Martin's phone hasn't exactly been ringing off the hook, and his agent's hasn't either. 

Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick reports that two more teams are interested in him and that the Golden State Warriors have dropped out of the running: 

"

But sources said the 34-year-old power forward is holding up this later stage of the hiring process for frontcourt free agents, with the Lakers and the Nets among the teams he's considering and negotiation leverage seemingly gone because so many of his colleagues seem willing to take minimum deals.

Golden State was interested in Martin before last week signing power forward Carl Landry to a two-year, $8 million deal that, by comparison, looks lucrative.

"

The Lakers and Nets would both give him less of an opportunity to shine, and Golden State is now clearly out of the picture. 

In Los Angeles, Martin would be stuck behind Pau Gasol and Antawn Jamison while competing for playing time with Josh McRoberts. In Brooklyn, he'd be watching Kris Humphries and Mirza Teletovic go to work while he sits on the bench. 

No other teams have emerged as suitors. 

Chance to Compete

Finally, going to the Knicks gives Martin a chance to compete in the playoffs. 

The Knicks are poised to make some noise in the Eastern Conference just one year after winning their first playoff game in what feels like a century. 

With the trio of Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler being joined by Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd at point guard, this team is going to be better than they were before. 

The trio has more chemistry now that they've spent a full season together, and the team is only getting deeper as they continue to add pieces.