As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the Feb. 8 trade deadline, they have to get their affairs in order. The Sixers are still looking to make that next step in the Eastern Conference so President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey wants to make the right move that puts his team in a position to win.
Due to the James Harden trade from October, Philadelphia has assets, such as expiring contracts and draft picks, it can use to make a move at the deadline.
One of those expiring contracts is fourth-year forward KJ Martin, who is an athletic player who can do many different things on the floor. He is an attractive piece at the deadline, and the Sixers have him available in potential talks, per Marc Stein via his substack:
Philadelphia swingman K.J. Martin has been made available in advance of the trade deadline, league sources tell The Stein Line.
Martin is well regarded in Philly but has inevitably struggled for playing time on a veteran-laden team. Word is that the 76ers are looking for a quality second-round pick in a potential deal.
In 25 games with the Sixers, Martin is averaging 1.5 points and 0.7 rebounds and shooting 50% from the floor in 5.9 minutes per game. He can defend multiple positions, drive to the basket, shoot the ball and move off the ball to get easy baskets.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Martin as the deadline gets closer. The Sixers are in a position to contend for a title while Martin is a talented young player who needs minutes on the floor. He will likely have to get those minutes elsewhere.
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