An anonymous member of the Los Angeles Clippers told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that the franchise believes it “stole” KJ Martin from the Houston Rockets. The Clippers acquired Martin from the Rockets in a five-team trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks.
“Look, I hate to talk bad about any other team, and everyone makes deals for their own reasons, but we stole K.J. Martin,” the anonymous member of the Clippers said. “He’s going to add a whole new level of athleticism to our frontcourt. Our vets are going to love playing with him and he’ll change the energy in games for us. Just a straight up robbery to get him on our roster.”
Martin averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season in 82 games while shooting 56.9% from the field, 31.5% from beyond the arc and 68.0% from the free-throw line. The California native signed a four-year, $6.1 million contract with the Rockets in November 2020.
The 22-year-old Martin has career averages of 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He is the son of Kenyon Martin.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: KJ Martin, Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors were interested in trading for Martin before the Clippers got him from the Rockets. Los Angeles is looking forward to seeing how the youngster helps the team win games next season.
The Clippers, who lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games, are trying to acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and only wants to get traded to the Clippers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: KJ Martin, Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Harden was born and raised in Los Angeles and has a relationship with Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The 10-time All-Star doesn’t want to play for the Sixers anymore since the franchise didn’t offer him a max contract.
