The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a 118-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night, which included Joel Embiid‘s return to play after another lengthy absence. The Sixers are trying to fight their way back up the Eastern Conference standings. Considering their season’s rollercoaster journey, they’re just one seed back from a play-in spot. However, with trade rumors picking up surrounding Paul George and Embiid’s chances of sitting out more games, it’s difficult to predict how the remainder of the season will go. While George is in the rumors, the 76ers did trade KJ Martin following Tuesday night’s victory.
76ers Trade News Sends KJ Martin to Pistons
Philadelphia 76ers Include Two Picks in KJ Martin Trade
The 76ers, like many teams this season, have had their potential success ravaged by the injury bug. Even worse, the injury bug has affected stars and superstars. In the case of the Sixers, Embiid’s injuries have kept him in and out of the lineup. George also missed time to start the season and has missed time here and there since. On top of that, Tyrese Maxey was also sidelined for a period. All the injuries the Sixers have suffered have brought them to a 20-29 record, and they are presently in the 11th seed.
Perhaps their current place in the East is why Philadelphia has begun trading some players. On the heels of shipping Caleb Martin to the Dallas Mavericks, KJ Martin is also on the move. According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, KJ was shipped out with two second-rounders to the Detroit Pistons. Whether Martin plays for the Pistons is another question. It’s possible he could be flipped in another deal Detroit makes before the deadline. The 76ers sent their 2027 second-round pick via Milwaukee and their 2031 second-rounder via Dallas. Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports reported the draft pick details.
KJ’s Injury Update
Martin’s injury occurred back in December, forcing the 24-year-old small forward out of the 76ers’ last 21 games. Martin suffered a left-foot stress reaction. His status for the Sixers matchup with the Mavericks on Tuesday was listed as questionable, speaking to the fact that his return is upcoming. If he is able to return soon, it might not be with the Pistons to whom he was traded. Martin was having a good season prior to going down, so there is some value in him as a trade asset the Pistons could use. His points per game are nothing spectacular (6.4), but his efficiency from the floor and his capability as a solid depth piece bodes well for him. Martin averages 38.1% from three and 61.6% from the field this season.
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