The Minnesota Timberwolves came into this season with the hopes that they might make the playoffs. Although the Western Conference is down this year their 9-16 record makes it seem like the playoffs are a bit of a longshot so the trade buzz surrounding Minnesota has grown. Minnesota reportedly wants to trade shooting guard Kevin Martin, according to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press.
Martin came into this season with the expectation that he would play a big role in the offense but he lost his starting spot preseason to Zach LaVine before earning it back. Martin's time in the starting lineup didn't last all that long as he has not played well so far this season but with Andrew Wiggins now playing shooting guard full-time and LaVine showing he can score, the Timberwolves are now looking to move on from the 32 year old Martin.
Martin will likely draw some interest on the trade market as he is a guy who can fill it up on offense and if there is a team looking for some scoring punch off the bench Martin could be a fit. Martin has one more year on his contract but it is a player option for about $7.4 million which he might be inclined to turn down as the cap is set to skyrocket so that could increase his value. Trading Martin would likely be the best thing for the Timberwolves because it will free up more playing time for their young guys but it will also likely be the best thing for Martin because he could go to a team where he can put up big numbers and earn more money.
Martin though, isn't the only player the Timberwolves are looking to move as both Nikola Pekovic and Adreian Payne are available as well, according to Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops. Pekovic has yet to play this season as he is recovering from ankle surgery but when he does come back Minnesota likely doesn't have playing time available to him with Karl-Anthony Towns and Grogui Dieng playing well as the teams centers. Pekovic has had his injury issues but he has also been a very productive player in the past and could likely be had at a discount.
As for Payne, he is not in the Timberwolves' regular rotation as they have Kevin Garnett and Nemanja Bjelica at the power forward spot so they figure they will at least see what they can get for the versatile 24 year old. Payne hasn't played well this year but he also hasn't gotten much playing time at all so their may be a team willing to take a chance on a young talent like him.
