Houston Rockets Receive: F Hayward Highsmith, 2023 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA) 

Miami Heat Receive: F Kenyon Martin Jr., 2023 Second-Round Pick (HOU) 

Of course, no team ever sets out to acquire a player with the intention of replacing them. 

On the other hand, when the Rockets acquired Kenyon Martin Jr., they probably weren’t sure what to expect. After all, he was a second-round pick. With that in mind, he qualifies as an organizational success story. 

Martin may have some holes in his game, but, it’s fair to say that he’s far exceeded the expectations surrounding a second-rounder. Martin is one of the most impressive run-and-jump athletes in the NBA.

In particular, he leverages his elite vertical as a lob finisher and weakside rim protector. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: KJ Martin, Houston Rockets & Miami Heat Updates

If the Rockets do trade Martin, it won’t be because they’re disappointed with his production to date. It will be because he demanded a trade, and more broadly because they simply acquired a number of similar players with higher upside. 

Is Martin the right player for the Heat to acquire?