When Kevin Martin was traded to Oklahoma City as part of a deal that sent James Harden to the Houston Rockets, most people lauded Thunder general manager Sam Presti for finding a deal that would keep the team near the top of the Western Conference this year and give them some long term salary cap flexibility. For the most part, Presti's plan has worked. Martin hasn't been the playmaker Harden was, but he's been the Thunder's main scorer off the bench, averaging 14.3 points a game.
Kevin Martin discusses time in Oklahoma City, expectations of free agency
The Thunder reserve says money isn’t everything during free agency this summer, and shares his thoughts on the Oklahoma City Thunder organization.
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Martin recently sat down with the Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman and discussed his time with the Thunder so far, which he calls one of the greatest experiences of his career. Martin added that he feels like he’s a good fit as the Thunder’s third scoring option, saying his body feels like it’s 25 years old again because he’s taking less of a beating night in and night out.
Martin’s $12.4 million contract comes off the books this summer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Martin said that returning to the Thunder is appealing to him and that money won’t be the only concern for him when he chooses a team to sign with.
“My perception would be happiness and a good fit basketball-wise. I’m in a situation that after nine years I don’t have to chase money. So I think that part goes into a lot of guys’ minds when it happens. But for me, I found a new happiness here when I got traded here.”
While Martin is a limited player, especially on defense, he's still one of the top shooting guards on the market this summer along with Manu Ginobili, who is likely to re-sign in San Antonio and Tyreke Evans, who is a restricted free agent. While Martin is expected to take a pay cut from his current deal, he may not have to take that much less.
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