With the acquisition of Jarrett Jack, the Golden State Warriors no longer have a need for a veteran backup point guard. As the team looks to make more moves during this offseason despite limited funds, the Warriors are looking within the division for someone who can defend in the post and can rebound. Thus, according to Matt Steinmetz of CSNBayArea.com, the Warriors are inquiring and interested about signing former Los Angeles Clippers power forward Kenyon Martin.
A 34-year-old 12-year veteran of the league, Martin was a valuable member of the Clippers rotation last season. A gritty player with toughness and plenty of playoff experience, he would be a welcome addition to a team not lacking in the scoring department. As a power forward, he would primarily backup starter David Lee and provides a different dimension at the position.
Financially, this move would make sense. With about $3 million left before reaching the luxury tax zone, Martin could be had for that amount or less. Earning $2.5 million last season, Martin should be an affordable option at this point in his career as a veteran backup defensive-minded forward.
When looking at the rest of the free agent forward targets in the market, many of them appear to be out of reach now that Jack is a member of the Warriors. With J.J. Hickson deciding to re-sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors have shown interest in Carl Landry, Antawn Jamison, and even recently-amnestied Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola. Despite having interest, all of these players will likely be out of the team's price range. Also, with the Clippers acquiring Lamar Odom from the Dallas Mavericks, they are not expected to make an offer to the now expendable Martin, easing up the competition for his services.
In search of a solid role player with the mental and physical toughness during defense, Martin would be a good fit for those needs. Also, depending on how much Martin wants and the offers free agent Dominic McGuire receives, the team could potentially try to bring in both defenders and add more core bench players who can provide valuable minutes in relief of starters Lee, Klay Thompson, and Harrison Barnes.
Regardless of whether the Warriors acquire Martin or not, it is clear that the team is interested in improving their rebounding, defense, and toughness. Martin can fulfill that, but will he be team's answer for frontcourt depth next season?
Sources:
Warriors have Kenyon Martin on their radar, CSN Bay Area
Lamar Odom is coming back to Clippers, Los Angeles Times
More from this contributor:
Golden State Warriors Acquire Jarrett Jack in Dorell Wright Trade: Fan's Reaction
Golden State Warriors Trade Dorell Wright to Philadelphia 76ers: Fan's Reaction
Fan's Review: Golden State Warriors 2012 NBA Summer League Roster - Part 2
Fan's Review: Golden State Warriors 2012 NBA Summer League Roster - Part 1
Austin is a lifelong resident of the Bay Area, lifelong basketball fan and Golden State Warriors supporter, and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow this contributor on Google+ and Twitter @_austinchang.
