The Oklahoma City Thunder had a disappointing finish in the playoffs after losing to the Memphis Grizzles in the West just one year after making it to the NBA Finals and as the draft and offseason approaches, the team has some big decisions to make, including with Kevin Martin.
The Thunder decided to trade James Harden right before last season after not being able to agree with him on a contract and that deal brought over Martin to the team and while the offense was solid, the fact that Harden was not on the roster was one of the biggest weaknesses all year. The team still has limited cap space after signing Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka and now they have to see whether to bring back Martin as well, since they have Kendrick Perkins and Russell Westbrook.
Martin was decent this season with 14 points per game on over 40 percent shooting, but Harden did more for the Rockets and if he is going to be a top option on offense, he needs to do better than that. The Thunder likely made a mistake in trading a homegrown player like Harden, but they felt he wasn't worth max money and now they have to figure out what to do for next season. Other teams likely will chase Martin and that could drive up the price and drive the Thunder right out of the bidding. Martin has been injured in the past, so the Thunder may decide to just let him walk, but after making the Harden trade, they still need to replace that production.
According to SB Nation and Bleacher Report, some options may be around in free agency as well as the draft, as the team has a high pick after making the trade and one name that could come up is JJ Reddick. He is a good shooter and after averaging just over 14 points last season and shooting over 40 percent, he would be a cheaper option than Martin and likely could add the same production. He has played in the playoffs and the finals before and he could be a good addition as a side option for Durant and Westbrook.
A similar move could be made for Kyle Korver as well as JR Smith, a both are excellent three-point shooters and may come cheaper than Martin. Korver averaged over 10 points and shot over 45 percent from long range, which makes him an appealing option. Smith hurt himself a bit in the playoffs with his performance, but he proved that he can be a consistent scorer and that could be an option. Monta Ellis is likely too much money for the Thunder to get, but if somehow they can get him to agree to less to play for a championship, he could be the move they make.
