Finding trade for Martin won't be easy

By Marc J. Spears
Denver Post NBA beat reporter
DenverPost.com

It's one thing for Kenyon Martin's detractors to want him out of Denver. It's another for the Nuggets to make it happen.

The 2004 all-star has played in two NBA Finals and was once one of the league's most athletic players. Now Martin has a bum left knee and five years and $71.9 million left on his contract. And he has been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.

It's a triple whammy - the suspension, the huge contract and the injuries - should the Nuggets look to trade him in the offseason. Finding a good deal for K-Mart could be much tougher than it was for Indiana to move Ron Artest this season.

But three high-level NBA executives said Wednesday it was definitely possible. They agreed his knee is a big issue, as well as the money left on his contract. They were less concerned about the recent incident that led to his suspension.

"People are going to be nervous about his knee, contract and attitude," one Western Conference executive said. "People are very nervous about contracts that size. It's not impossible, but very difficult."

Martin sulked after seeing his name involved in rumors before the trade deadline in February. The 6-foot-9, 230-pounder, who will make $12 million next season, has often said he expects his name to be back among trade rumors once the season ends.

Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony wouldn't speculate on whether Martin would be back next season.

"I don't know how that's going to hold up, that's all I can say," Anthony said. "I wish him the best. I hope they work it out."

So who might possibly be interested in Martin?

Portland could be willing to make a trade for forward Zach Randolph, a tough post player who averaged 18 points and eight rebounds this past season. Randolph is expected to be expendable after numerous run-ins with coach Nate McMillan. And his salary ($12 million next season) matches.

Nuggets assistant general manager Mark Warkentien drafted Randolph for Portland with the 19th overall pick in 2001 and the two are still close. Randolph's sucker punch in practice of Ruben Patterson, who is now with Denver, is a thing of the past.

"Why not for Zach Randolph?" one Eastern Conference executive said. "They owe him the same amount of money."

Another possibility would be the New York Knicks. Knicks president Isiah Thomas nearly dealt center Antonio Davis in January for Martin. The Knicks are loaded with bad contracts. Potential players tossed Denver's way could be guard Stephon Marbury ($17.1 million), guard Quentin Richardson ($7.5 million), forward Malik Rose ($7.5 million) or forward Maurice Taylor ($9.75 million). Don't expect guard Steve Francis ($15 million) to come to Denver. He and Anthony don't see eye to eye.

"Isiah Thomas might try to throw in Malik Rose or Maurice Taylor," the Eastern Conference executive said.

Another trading partner could be Golden State, which might shop forward Troy Murphy, due $8.2 million next season. He averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds this past season. Agent Dan Fegan, who has five Nuggets clients, also represents Murphy.

New Jersey also could be interested in getting Martin back. Nets coach Lawrence Frank and president Rod Thorn are fond of Martin, and the team needs a power forward.

"I'll take my headache for yours," the Western Conference executive said. "It will probably be like that."

Coach George Karl said Wednesday he was open to working things out with Martin. But expect the Nuggets to explore moving him this offseason.

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