NBA Rumors: Young Rockets Forward Drawing Trade Interest

He submitted a trade request a couple of months back, looking to land in a spot where he could earn more minutes. Now, it seems that KJ Martin (Kenyon Martin Jr.) has some takers.  

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype today, the 3rd-year forward has drawn interest from several teams on the trade market, while Kelly Iko of The Athletic has said that "there are a number of teams — playoff contenders included — that have registered interest in Martin in the past, sources said, with his combination of age, athleticism and untapped potential deemed as attractive."

KJ Martin going to blossom on another team unfortunately. https://t.co/keAYGbIY3c

— C.Y.3.2022....♀💯🇱🇷🏁🚀❄💰 (@Leestewart281) August 4, 2022

The son of the former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin (who retired in 2015) averaged 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in about 21 minutes of action per game this past season. He also shot 53% from the floor, and 35.7% from long-range. 

Following the 2022 NBA Draft, in which the Rockets brought in rookie forwards Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, along with Jae’Sean Tate getting a hefty pay raise on a new contract, there is a definite squeeze on Martin for minutes at the forward spot.

The 21-year-old was a 2nd round pick in the 2020 Draft, and there are no hard feelings between him and the Rockets.

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports