Just a few weeks ago, there was a general sense of gloom around the Nets regarding the prospect of keeping Kenyon Martin. Every avenue was investigated as the Nets looked into sign-and-trades, dealing other players, virtually everything short of holding a telethon to find the money to re-sign Martin.
But recently, there have been some encouraging signs, even as Martin does a three-day, three-city tour of teams with lots of cap space, a trip that began yesterday in Denver. By no means does it look as if Martin is dashing back to the Nets today, but the outlook does not seem as dire. Still, team CEO Rod Thorn refuses to get overly optimistic.
“Never, I never feel confident until something is done,” said Thorn, who is allowing the market to determine Martin’s worth. “All it takes is one [team]. Just one to make the offer. It doesn’t matter what everything else looks like. Kenyon is visiting teams. He’ll find out what’s out there and go from there.”
Martin arrived with his agent, Brian Dyke, at Denver’s Pepsi Center via limo shortly before 1 p.m. local time yesterday and began a tour of the facility. Afterward, Martin told the local media his first intent is to stay with the Nets while reiterating his desire for a maximum contract.
Denver GM Kiki Vandeweghe used Martin’s appearance as a chance to show how the Nuggets have grown from laughingstocks to serious free agent bidders.
The Nets, if inclined, could offer seven years at $103 million. Opposing teams can offer about $85 million over six years. Martin is a restricted free agent, which allows the Nets to match any offer.
And more and more, it seems circumstances are breaking in the Nets’ favor. Prospective owner Bruce Ratner has said he wants to keep Martin. Money – $3.355 million to be exact – fell from the sky when Rodney Rogers’ agent failed to exercise his option on time. There is a growing undercurrent that the league might – just might – abolish the luxury tax before the season that would loosen owner spending.
Plus, several general managers around the league insist a max contract offer might not be out there for Martin – the Nuggets have come to terms with Marcus Camby but still are looking for a two guard so their money is not what it was. The Jazz, whom Martin visits today in Utah, has reached agreement with Mehmet Okur and Gordan Giricek. And then there is Atlanta, where Martin visits tomorrow.
The Hawks certainly have the money to offer, but they appear headed for a miserable season and no amount of money will keep Martin happy amid constant losing. The pros for Martin include him being a big fish in a little pond, but he essentially would become what Shareef Abdur-Rahim was for several seasons in Atlanta.
