Kevin Martin Staying In Sacramento?

Since returning to the Sacramento Kings on January 15th, Kevin Martin has been rather uninspiring, averaging 15 points per game on only 32 percent shooting, numbers far below his usual averages. The Kings themselves are slumping as well; they’ve only won once with Martin back in uniform. Couple that with the growing perception that Martin and rookie Tyreke Evans are a lousy fit together, and there, you’ve got the perfect recipe for some trade talk.

Martin has been linked to several teams including Dallas, Minnesota, and Boston. But as Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee writes, there’s little chance that Martin will be leaving Sacramento any time soon.

Back at home, I’ve been banging the phones on the trade front and have to a couple of iron-clad conclusions regarding the hot topic of Kings shooting guard Kevin Martin and whether he’ll be moved.

The Kings remain quiet, at least as it pertains to Martin. There is no reason to think basketball president Geoff Petrie is motivated in the slightest bit to move him before the Feb. 18 deadline.

This should please Tom Ziller of SB Nation’s Sacramento Kings blog, Sactown Royalty, who recently voiced his concern over rushing to deal Martin before the February 18th deadline.

And so it is with Martin. This team won’t be making the playoffs. It’s still about the future. Let’s be a bit patient. The trade deadline is an artificial deadline for making a decision on Martin. The Kings can, and should, ignore it.

Keep an eye out for a possible deal with Dallas, but otherwise, don’t expect Martin to be moved.