The Philadelphia 76ers are set to trade KJ Martin to the Detroit Pistons, according to Keith Pompey. Martin was held out of Tuesday night’s game as the deal was being finalized.
Philadelphia will send Martin and two second-round picks to Detroit, with the Pistons taking on his salary in return. The move appears to be a financial maneuver for the 76ers as they look to free up cap space ahead of the trade deadline.
Martin, 24, is averaging 6.4 points and 3 rebounds in 20 minutes per game this season. He is in the first year of a two-year, $16 million contract, making him an inexpensive addition for a Detroit team looking to strengthen its bench.
The Pistons, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 25-25 record, are in position to make a postseason push. Adding Martin gives them another athletic wing who can contribute defensively and provide depth in transition-heavy lineups.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, is 11th in the East with a 20-29 record, struggling to stay in the playoff mix. Moving Martin’s contract clears financial flexibility, potentially allowing the 76ers to make additional moves before the trade deadline.
