Miami Heat small forward Caleb Martin has become a hot trade target for the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale. Favale listed Martin as the best potential trade target for OKC in his “Last-Minute Trade Target Lists for Every NBA Team.” Although it would be surprising if Miami decided to trade anyone at this point, a deal could be possible if the Thunder offered solid compensation for Martin.
The Thunder, currently fighting for first place in the Western Conference, have the assets to trade for any player they desire. Martin is seen as a versatile player who can fill gaps in multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the court. He doesn’t require the ball to be effective and has the ability to set up his teammates. While the Heat usually consider him untouchable, his upcoming free agency and Miami’s proximity to the luxury tax threshold may make them more open to a trade.
If Miami doesn’t trade Martin before the deadline, they risk losing him for nothing. He is set to earn just over $6.8 million this season and has a player option for the following year. It is expected that he will decline the option and explore his options in free agency, leaving Miami without any assets in return. The emergence of rookie Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Haywood Highsmith has also given the Heat more options at forward, making Martin more expendable. Trading him could allow the Heat to acquire valuable draft picks, as they did in the recent Terry Rozier trade.
Martin’s two-way skills make him a desirable asset for any team aiming for a deep postseason run, which is why Oklahoma City sees him as an intriguing fit.
THE THUNDER’S SURPRISING PURSUIT OF MARTIN
The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently sitting in second place in the Western Conference with an impressive 35-16 record, are making waves in the NBA. Led by their dynamic young stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have emerged as one of the most thrilling and promising teams in the West. And now, there are rumors swirling that they may be looking to add another talented player to their roster: Martin.
Martin, who gained significant attention during the 2023 postseason, showcased his skills and proved his worth on the court. He consistently averaged double figures in scoring throughout the Heat’s playoff series, with notable performances against the Knicks, Bucks, and Celtics in the conference finals. His contributions were instrumental in the Heat’s success, and it’s no wonder that the Thunder are interested in acquiring him.
This season, Martin has continued to impress. In 34 games, including 12 starts, he has been averaging a career-high 10.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. These numbers speak to his growth and development as a player, making him an attractive asset for any team. The Thunder may see him as the missing piece to elevate their playoff chances.
The question now is whether the Heat will choose to keep Martin or explore other options. With the playoffs looming, they must weigh the value of his contributions against potential trade opportunities. It remains to be seen what decision they will make, but one thing is for sure: Martin’s performance has caught the attention of many teams, including the Thunder.
As the NBA season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how this situation unfolds. Will the Thunder successfully acquire Martin and bolster their roster? Or will the Heat hold on to him for one more playoff run? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Martin’s future in the NBA is looking bright.