NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Set To Sign Kevin Martin, Manu Ginobili Likely To Return To Court Soon
The San Antonio Spurs have the second-best record in the NBA, and they appear to have just gotten better with the reported signing of veteran free agent Kevin Martin. Before signing the 33-year-old, the Spurs must release a player, as they currently have 15 players on their roster.
Marc Stein of ESPN reported that Martin chose the Spurs over several playoff contending teams, including Oklahoma City, Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, and Washington.
ESPN sources say Thunder, Grizzlies and Wizards joined Houston and Dallas in pursuit of Kevin Martin, but early favorite San Antonio won out
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 5, 2016
Martin, who officially cleared waivers Friday morning, was waived by Minnesota on March 1 after negotiating a buyout of his contract. The 11-year veteran has struggled this season, averaging 10.6 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 37.7 percent from the field over 21.4 minutes in 39 games. Martin does have five games of at least 20 points this year, including a season-high 37 against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 9.
Despite his struggles this season, the six-foot-seven shooting guard is still a dangerous scorer and shooter from beyond the arc. Martin made 36.7 percent of his three-point attempts (38 of 103) and 88.0 percent of his free throws. For his career, Martin is a 38.5 percent shooter from long distance and makes 87 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe. Martin averaged 19.1 and 20.0 in 2014-15 and 2013-14, respectively. He also puts forth an effort on the defensive end but doesn’t rebound the ball well.
Martin will be available to play for the Spurs in the playoffs, as his buyout came prior to the 12 p.m. (ET) deadline on March 1. He has a player option for next season but at half the cost of what it previously was, as he sacrificed 50 percent of the salary as well as $352,750 this year to secure his release.
Martin is the second player the Spurs have added after the trade deadline; they picked up veteran Andre Miller off of waivers on February 28. The 33-year-old has played two games for the Spurs, totaling three rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes of action.
In addition, backup guard Manu Ginobili appears to be ready to return to the court. The 38-year-old, who is listed as probable for Saturday night’s tilt against Sacramento, has missed 12 consecutive games with a groin injury. Ginobili is averaging 10.0 points along with 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 19.7 minutes of action this year.
INJURY REPORT: Manu Ginobili (surgical recovery) is probable for tomorrow’s Spurs-Kings game after missing the last 12.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 4, 2016
San Antonio (52-9) is having the best regular season in franchise history. The Spurs, who have already clinched their 19th consecutive playoff berth, have won seven in a row and is 24-3 since the calendar has turned to 2016. They are just three and a half games behind Golden State for the best record in the NBA.
Last night we improved to 52-9 & tomorrow we're back at it at home!https://t.co/srtfHlOMRr
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 4, 2016
San Antonio has been fantastic on both ends of the court this year. The Spurs lead the league in scoring defense, defensive field goal percentage, and defensive efficiency. They are seventh in the NBA in scoring, first in field goal percentage, and third in offensive efficiency. San Antonio also own the top point differential in the Association at +12.5.
The Spurs game against the Kings tonight starts a stretch where they play eight of 11 games at home, where San Antonio is 29-0 this season. It will be difficult for the Spurs to remain undefeated at home, as they host Oklahoma City, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland, Golden State, Miami, and Memphis during this stretch.
Matt Bonner, Boban Marjanovic, Jonathon Simmons, and Rasual Butler are the prime candidates to be cut to make room for Martin. Bonner has only seen action is 20 games this season and none since February 4 due to a calf injury. Butler, 36, has seen sporadic action this year, although he did receive 19 minutes in the Spurs victory over New Orleans on Thursday. Butler is averaging 2.8 points, as he is shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from beyond the arc — CBS Sports believes Butler is the favorite to get waived.
Marjanovic is on a one-year deal at $1.2 million, while Simmons is only making $565,000. Both players have shown promise this year. Simmons has a team option for next season.
[Photo by Jonathan Bachman/AP]
