Kevin Martin Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Timberwolves SG

Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Kevin Martin has reportedly emerged as a trade candidate in advance of the Feb. 18 deadline as the franchise seeks to open up more playing time for some key youngsters. 

Continue for updates. 

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Martin Linked to Bucks 

Wednesday, Jan. 13

"[The Milwaukee] Bucks had exploratory trade interest in Wolves guard Kevin Martin, sources told Sheridan Hoops. One source called talks, 'due diligence,'" reported Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops.

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LaVine Making Martin Expendable 

Thursday, Dec. 17

According to the Associated Press' Jon Krawczynski, Zach LaVine's emergence as a scoring threat at point guard and Andrew Wiggins' ability to slide down to shooting guard has pushed Martin onto the trade block. 

Krawczynski also reported the Timberwolves discussed a potential Martin trade with two unidentified teams earlier in the season. 

While Martin has proved to be a capable volume scorer in the past, his production has slipped during the early stages of the 2015-16 season. Through 30 games, Martin is averaging 11.3 points on what would amount to a career-worst 36.2 percent shooting from the field. 

On the contrary, LaVine is averaging 12.7 points on 41.3 percent shooting from the field and 32.2 percent shooting from three. 

Martin's contract is hardly loaded, but it may be difficult for Minnesota to find a taker with more than a year left on his deal. According to Spotrac, Martin is making a shade over $7 million this season and will earn $7.3 million in the final year of his contract when the 2016-17 season rolls around. 

But with the salary cap slated to boom over the summer, Martin's deal may soon look like a bargain to contenders looking for a little extra scoring punch off the pine.