After Blake Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons, the LA Clippers have searched for an athletic forward who can dominate the paint. This could be one of the keys to winning a title, hence why LA has failed to make it past the Western Conference since Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the Clippers.
Furthermore, a player who many Clipper fans wanted was the former Atlanta Hawks forward, John Collins. He is young, athletic, and can stretch the floor. Undoubtedly, he would be a great fit next to Russell Westbrook.
However, there was an even better fit on the market that many fans seemed to overlook. Kenyon Martin Jr., the former 52nd overall pick, has a similar playstyle to Collins. Even better, he is a few years younger and arguably more athletic.
The LA Clippers make a move for Kenyon Martin Jr., a future all-star.
As one of the LA Clippers’ main goals was to add young, rising stars, the front office made a trade with the Houston Rockets for Kenyon Martin Jr. In return, all LA sacrificed was two future second-round picks.
FULL TRADE DETAILS:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 1, 2023
Clippers:
KJ Martin
Houston:
Two 2nd-Round Picks
(via @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/WYLLnXvWVF
Moreover, this trade has been one of the best offseason moves thus far. Martin Jr. is coming off the best year of his career. In addition to averaging 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds, he also posted a field goal percentage of 56.9.
Martin Jr. fits the Clippers’ scheme perfectly, as he played 82 games for the Houston Rockets last season. He gives head coach Tyronn Lue another wing to utilize in close matchups. Not to mention Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will benefit heavily from the addition of the hometown hero.