NBA Rumors: Kenyon Martin to New York Knicks Is a Good Fit

The New York Knicks are looking at the possibility of holding off on their "room exception," a $2.5 million cap exception for teams for Kenyon Martin, who has been relieved of his duties in China. According to the New York Post, 

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Martin, according to his agent, Andy Miller, is flying back to the U.S. for Christmas, but he is ineligible to play until after his team's season in the Chinese Basketball Association is over—likely in mid-March.

A source familiar with the Knicks' thinking said it is "possible" the Knicks would have interest in signing Martin later in the season if they need a jolt up front and they will pocket their $2.5 million exception. A source said the 33-year-old former Nets star would be amenable to joining the Knicks.

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My first impression on this is that it's not a great move, but after a bit of thought, it makes sense. 

The reason I'm hesitant is the Knicks are already essentially adding a starting point guard two months in the season. That's going to effect chemistry and continuity. 

Adding another key rotation player at the same time only exacerbates the problem. 

After giving it some thought, though, I think it makes sense. Yes, it's going to mean adding two key players to the rotation deep into the season, but it's better than not adding them at all, and frankly, there's just no one better to use their exception on out there. 

Martin brings a defensive presence that can play alongside Tyson Chandler when they need him to. Defense wins championships, and having the ability to put a stout defensive frontcourt on the floor could be big (no pun intended) in the postseason. 

If there were better moves out there, I'd question the decision, but given that there aren't any, it makes sense.