Martin considered untouchable

[Bac2Basics]

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wireta ... n_martin/#

The Kings are reportedly considering some roster shakeups prior to next week's trade deadline, but they don't appear willing to trade Kevin Martin.
Labeling Martin as "untouchable" would probably prevent Sacramento from presenting a package to the Suns for Amare Stoudemire.

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1612396.html

Kings consider roster shakeups
By Sam Amick
samick@sacbee.com
Published: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009 | Page 4C
DALLAS – The NBA's trade deadline is Feb. 19 – thus, the strong possibility for more change on the Kings' roster.
But the only adjustment so far has been to fire head coach Reggie Theus and defensive coordinator/assistant Chuck Person and have Kenny Natt take over Dec. 15. The Kings' performance has only worsened since.
While there were many reasons – both on and off the floor – that the Kings fired Theus and gave the job to his former lead assistant, atrocious defense certainly was among them. But the Kings' loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday was merely the latest in a long line of defensive breakdowns that continues to have them on pace for the franchise's worst record, as their own late offensive explosion was nullified by the fact that, once again, they struggled to make a stop.
The Thunder scored 16 points in the final 3:51, finishing with 116 points to become the 14th consecutive Kings opponent to score 100-plus points. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that streak ties Indiana for the longest 100-plus stretch this season but is far from the Kings' Sacramento-era record of 43 games.
The Kings – who rank 29th in points allowed per game (109), last in opponents' field-goal percentage (48.32) and last in point differential (minus 9.6) – have allowed 111.4 points per game under Natt while going 5-23. Under Theus, they gave up 106 points per game while going 6-18 (and being without Brad Miller for five games, Kevin Martin for 15 and Francisco García for 17).
After the latest failure, the Kings – who trailed Oklahoma City by 11 points after the first quarter and by 13 at halftime – pointed more to the finish than the start.
"They got a couple easy layups, easy dunks, and you could feel the frustration in everybody like, 'Oh, he didn't help me (defensively and) he didn't help me,' " point guard Beno Udrih said. "We are not in a position to get frustrated. We have to keep digging and play hard. That took us down (13) points in the half."
As the Kings begin a Texas two-step tonight against Dallas and Wednesday against Houston, sources within the league and close to the Kings continue to indicate they will try to make at least one trade before the deadline. Although a move for Amare Stoudemire isn't likely, two league sources said the Kings have inquired numerous times about the Phoenix forward and soon-to-be four-time All-Star this week.
The Suns reportedly seek potent young players, draft picks and expiring contracts in a deal for Stoudemire, whose contract includes $15.1 million this season, $16.4 million next season and a player option for 2010-11 worth $17.7 million. That likely rules out the Kings from the equation.
While the Kings have expiring deals (Bobby Jackson at $6.5 million, Mikki Moore at $5.8 million with $2 million guaranteed next season if he is waived by June 20, Shelden Williams at $3.3 million and Quincy Douby at $1.4 million), they aren't eager to give up young players such as rookie forward Jason Thompson and are even less eager to relinquish draft picks, of which they have two first-rounders come June.
They also do not appear willing to include shooting guard Kevin Martin in trade discussions, all of which limits their ability to satisfy Suns general manager Steve Kerr. Although swingman John Salmons ($10.5 million combined this season and next with a player option for 2010-11 worth $5.8 million) could be a possibility for the Suns, a preference for returning to their up-tempo ways could rule out a move involving center Brad Miller.
The Kings' financial situation is hampering their own flexibility as well, as the combination of lagging attendance (last in the league at an average of 12,404) and the sagging economy has prompted Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof to cut costs as never before. As a result, trades that add to the team's payroll aren't likely.

Most of this I think we all assumed already, but even these confirmations say something.

[cdt3]

I really don't understand the Maloofs not trying this when they had a guy like Martin who was a SG that the franchise was built around they traded him for CWebb in the exact same situation (he was expiring in 2 years and young and knucklehead). I agree they shouldn't take back $$, but it would fill the seats if they had a JT/Amare frontline.

[KF10]

Yeah, it was kinda implied from the Kings org. that Martin would be the least likely player to be traded. Unless, it is a homerun for us. The Kings don't view Amare as a homerun kind of player. Considering that he can bolt in 2010. And we are left with nothing.

[Smills91]

I think their may only be TWO 'untouchable' players in the entire league. LeBron James and Dwight Howard. I don't think either team would trade one for the other, thus the reason for TWO....after that I think EVERYONE in this league is 'touchable'. I'd trade Martin for Howard, that's for sure.

[darkadun]

Exactly. Like kingsfan10 said, Amare is not the same calibar of C Webb, not by a long shot.

[JES12]

I wouldn't trade Martin for Amare either. I think it would be smart to keep Martin.

[ICMTM]

I don't think Martin is on Mitch Ritchmond status and I don't think Amare is on Webber's Status. I'd still do the trade, but I think swapping the two players isn't the best of deals for the Kings. We have to remember Mitch Richmond asked to be traded out of Sacramento. The only reason I say that is because I don't know if we trade for Webber other wise.

If we can deal Amare without losing Martin IMO it's almost a no brainer in my eyes, but to bring in Amare while losing Martin almost puts you back at square one. If Portland is really offering Aldridge, Bayless, and LaFrentz though I think that's a great deal for Phoenix! We can't match that.

As for Martin being untradable I think that's not the case. After reading most of these articles I'd be willing to bet he's the 1st to go. There's no scientific logic behind it other than past history. The person we've least expected to go was always traded 1st.

[jeffjtk1234]

but if we traded martin for amare and drafted harden thatd be money IMO

[Inc]

^agreed

I think it's easier to find a good scoring wing player than a big athletic beast like Amare

[thebiggesthomer]

Kevin Martin is playing on one leg right now and stillplaying really well nearly 20ppg and why trade him when the fans love him and its not like hes a burden. Aren't we drafting Blake Griffin wouldn't be hard have 5 guys who play PF/C (Thompson,Moore,Hawes,Williams,Miller) then add in griffin thats 6. Im a Kevin Martin homer said many times im not willing to part ways with Kevin Martin unless its for Kobe,Wade,Lebron Thats how i feel.

[SacKingZZZ]

Well next year I wouldn't be surprised to see only Thompson and Hawes remaining on that list. Well, actually they WILL be the only ones I'm sure of it. A Griffin (or even better Monroe), Thompson, and Hawes frontline = SWEET!!!

[RoyalCourtJestr]

Well next year I wouldn't be surprised to see only Thompson and Hawes remaining on that list. Well, actually they WILL be the only ones I'm sure of it. A Griffin (or even better Monroe), Thompson, and Hawes frontline = SWEET!!!

Monroe may have a wide skill set, but he doesn't have the ceiling Griffin has.

Honestly, I'm fine with keeping Martin. He's on a decentt contract for a 2nd option. If we get Griffin then we'll have our #1. Martin may not be the most vocal guy, or the best defender (but he's damn much better then most people give him credit for,) but I'm very happy to keep him.

[SacKingZZZ]

Monroe may have a wide skill set, but he doesn't have the ceiling Griffin has.

Honestly, I'm fine with keeping Martin. He's on a decentt contract for a 2nd option. If we get Griffin then we'll have our #1. Martin may not be the most vocal guy, or the best defender (but he's damn much better then most people give him credit for,) but I'm very happy to keep him.

I don't know, after watching that game against Baylor last night I kind of lost a bit of interest in Griffin. He was dominating but in a way that a bigger and stronger player should dominate on the college level. Often times he leaves me wondering if his game will translate to the NBA. He looks like he's playing at half speed sometimes and that could be either a really good thing (considering how dominant he is) or a really bad thing (does he even have an extra gear? or the skillset needed at the NBA level?) If anything I'd argue that Monroe has a much higher ceiling simply do to his vast and varied abilities. Not to mention that he has a much better chance of being a legit force in the paint defensively. I don't know if I'd call Griffin a bad defender but he certainly comes from the "Brad Miller school of stick 'em up defense".