The New York Knicks would love to be able to get their hands on free agent power forward Kenyon Martin, but they'll need to convince him to sign with the team for the veteran minimum, says ESPN's Marc Stein.
Knicks Want Kenyon Martin At Veteran Minimum
Kenyon Martin would provide power forward depth for the New York Knicks, but they can’t afford to offer the coveted free agent to sign for more than the veteran’s minimum.
Presswire
Many teams are after Martin, and although his 5.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game were both career lows, he was a productive member of the Los Angeles Clippers' bench unit. That's exactly how the Knicks would like him. With Kurt Thomas as their presumptive backup to Amar'e Stoudemire at the four spot, Martin would provide another veteran body capable of bringing down rebounds. Although he isn't the explosive leaper who was drafted at No. 1 overall in 2000, that's not what teams are looking for from him anymore.
New York was one of the teams interested in Martin when he returned to the NBA from China before he eventually chose the Clippers. As of now, New York has 13 players under guaranteed contract, leaving a pair of open roster spots, but the large salaries of Carmelo Anthony and Stoudemire don't leave much room for additions. The Knicks would have to sell Martin on playing for the $1.2 million veteran's minimum rather than more lucrative offers from other teams reported to have interest.
For more on the Knicks, head over to Posting and Toasting and check out SB Nation New York for more.
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