Five teams are in pursuit of free agent Kenyon Martin, a former Denver Nuggets forward who needs an NBA team after leaving for China during the extended NBA lockout.
Fresh from a stint with the Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, Martin has offers from the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks, ESPN reported through league sources.
Kenyon Martin is considering offers from several contending teams. (AP Photo)
Martin signed a $2.6 million contract with Xinjiang and left China in late December with hopes of returning to the NBA.
But, according to CBA rules, Martin will not be available to sign or play for an NBA team until Xinjiang finishes its season. He could return as soon as Feb. 16 if Xinjiang remains on the periphery of the CBA playoff race.
Weighing heavily in Martin’s decision is his ability to play a large role with a contending team, ESPN reported, according to a source close to Martin.
All of the teams interested in Martin have champion hopes, but a couple have signed players to max deals and are hampered by the luxury tax. The best possible offers can come from the Clippers and Knicks. Both can give Martin $2.5 million mini-midlevel exceptions. Miami can offer the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million, ESPN reports.
