K.J. Martin's Contract Extension 'Tricky' For Rockets

Houston — K.J. Martin entered the 2022-23 season with an uncertain future. Trade rumors surrounded Martin during media day on Sept. 26. But instead of addressing his future, Martin said his focus was doing his job as a member of the Houston Rockets entering his third season.

Martin's junior campaign ended with prominence. He was one of two players to appear in all 82 games averaging career highs across the board with 12.7 points on 56.9 percent shooting and 5.5 rebounds.

A source told Inside the Rockets in March that Martin's third-year jump made the Rockets "likely" to sign him to an extension this offseason. But with the start of free agency less than a month away, The Athletic reports that Martin's contract situation with Houston remains "tricky."

"When you look at Houston’s perspective, they have most of the leverage. Kelly Iko said. "They don’t have to be rushed into anything. If they picked up the fourth year, they can always do that and then extend him during the season."

The Rockets and Martin were at a crossroad last summer with reports that the second-generation forward was seeking a more extensive role on the team.

He accomplished his goal by becoming one of Houston's top players. And due to Martin's emergence, the Rockets felt more comfortable departing from Eric Gordon at the NBA trade deadline.

Gordon's exit allowed Martin to take over as the team's starting small forward, where he finished the season starting in 49 games.

"I don’t see them giving him the money without having a plan for the rest of their cap space," Iko said. "They have huge things to address now and have the leverage to still keep him under contract."

Martin was the first player Rafael Stone drafted after taking the helm as general manager in October of 2020. He came to Houston as an unknown prospect who quickly established himself as a foundational piece in the Rockets rebuild.

He has a team option on his rookie deal for the 2023-24 season for $1.9 million. If the Rockets decline, he will hit the open market as a restricted free agent on July 1.

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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