NBA Rumors: 76ers forward close to being traded to contending team

The bulk of the buzz about the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the trade deadline is admittedly based on sheer guesswork and speculation, which actually makes sense given how mixed the expectations are about the franchise’s willingness to execute a midseason shakeup amid a very successful campaign so far this season.

For those looking for smoke though, the 76ers were rumored to be shopping one of their fringe rotation players for quite some time now, and this time, it appears to be rounding into shape as something that can truly materialize sooner than later.

NBA Rumors: 76ers forward KJ Martin on the verge of being traded to West contender

Senior NBA insider Chris Haynes recently bared that the 76ers and the Phoenix Suns are in talks about a trade centered on forward KJ Martin. The Suns have been in the market for an athletic wing, and it seems like they are zeroing in on Martin as a potential rotation player who can be had for cheap.

Martin, acquired from the LA Clippers in the landmark James Harden deal, has been tethered to third-unit duty this season. He’s seen the floor much more in recent games thanks to Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington’s absences, but no one on Philly’s circles would chalk him up as an untouchable piece.

His expiring contract also makes him almost a must-trade at this juncture. While he’s unlikely to net the 76ers any significant return, at least they’re getting something back. Even a heavily protected second-rounder would be enough to justify a deal.

Nothing’s rock solid at this juncture, but given how much a trade for KJ Martin makes sense for the ambitious Phoenix Suns, expect the Philadelphia 76ers to entertain such talks, with both teams potentially agreeing to a deal in the coming days or weeks.