As per sources, Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with forward K.J. Martin, one of the players acquired in the James Harden trade. Martin was part of the November transaction with the Clippers that brought the dissatisfied Harden to Los Angeles. Martin has now signed a multi-year contract with the 76ers.
Martin averaged 3.7 points and 2.2 rebounds while playing 12.3 minutes per game in 58 games (two starts) for the Sixers. There were a few prolonged periods in which he was given regular playing time and made the most of it. One such run lasted 15 games in January and February during which he averaged 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while playing just over 20 minutes a game.
In addition, Philadelphia 76ers gained Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington in the transaction. All four players' contracts ended at the end of last season. All of this was part of Sixers President Daryl Morey's plan to clear roster and salary-cap space to make a huge impact in free agency this offseason.
Just the day before, six-time All-Star guard Kyle Lowry signed to a one-year contract. His return was another bold move by the 76ers, who plan to be in title contention after adding Paul George to a squad that includes Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
KJ Martin was selected by Sacramento Kings during the 2020 NBA Draft
George departed the Los Angeles Clippers for Philadelphia in free agency, signing a four-year, $212 million contract, while Maxey immediately agreed to a five-year, $204 million extension. In addition to re-signing Kelly Oubre Jr., the Sixers acquired experienced free agents Eric Gordon, Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond to capitalize on Embiid's remaining peak years. Philadelphia has not progressed to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.
Sacramento Kings selected Martin, 23, in the second round of the 2020 draft. He was promptly moved to the Rockets, where he spent the first three years of his NBA career. Martin, the son of former No. 1 overall selection Kenyon Martin, averaged 3.7 points in 58 games for the Sixers last season.