Rockets trade KJ Martin to Clippers for two second-round draft picks

On one of the most active transaction days in franchise history, the Rockets traded incumbent small forward starter KJ Martin to the Clippers for two future second-round draft picks. Per Andrew Grief of the Los Angeles Times, Houston will receive a 2027 second-round pick from Memphis and a 2026 second-round pick.

Now 22 years old, Martin averaged 10.5 points (54.5% FG, 34.0% on 3-pointers) and 4.8 rebounds in 24.3 minutes during three seasons with the Rockets. The 6-foot-7 forward was drafted late in the 2020 second round and was a clear success story in Houston’s rebuild.

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But despite Martin’s presence as a starter late in the 2022-23 season, his role moving forward under new head coach Ime Udoka was very much in question. At that same position, the Rockets added Cam Whitmore to the mix in the 2023 NBA draft before signing veteran Memphis wing Dillon Brooks in free agency.

Houston also has veteran forward Jae’Sean Tate under contract, and it stands to reason that second-year prospect Tari Eason could have a growing role in the years ahead, as well.

Combine that with Martin’s contract expiring the upcoming 2023-24 season, and it seems that Rockets general manager Rafael Stone opted to trade Martin early before risking any potential decline in his value due to reduced playing time.

ESPN Sources: The Los Angeles Clippers are acquiring Houston Rockets forward K.J. Martin in a trade for two future second-round draft picks. pic.twitter.com/p5k1QG5stI

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023

Effectively, the return package for Martin ($1.9 million salary next season) cancels out the two second-round picks Houston gave up to trade fellow young prospects Usman Garuba and TyTy Washington to Atlanta. Because Garuba ($2.6 million) and Washington ($2.3 million) make more money than Martin and are far less accomplished as players, the Rockets seemingly had to pay a premium to offload those salaries. Houston also traded prospect guard Josh Christopher to Memphis.

By sending out those four prospects — other than Martin, all were sparingly used — the Rockets effectively cleared roster spots and some financial wiggle room for four new players acquired within the first 24 hours of free agency: Toronto guard Fred VanVleet; Memphis wing Dillon Brooks; Phoenix big man Jock Landale, and Brooklyn guard Patty Mills (by trade).