The Jazz have waived forward KJ Martin, according to a team press release. In the process, Utah shed Martin’s non-guaranteed $8MM contract for the upcoming season.
Martin appeared in 19 games (nine starts) last season with Utah, averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 22.7 minutes per game. He wound up with the Jazz as part of the blockbuster five-team trade in which Jimmy Butler was dealt to Golden State in February.
While on the Sixers’ roster, he missed a big chunk of last season due to a foot injury. He appeared in 24 games with Philadelphia, including seven starts, averaging 6.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per game.
The No. 52 pick of the 2020 draft, Martin spent his first three NBA seasons in Houston prior to being traded to the Clippers in a five-team deal in the 2023 offseason. He only played two games for Los Angeles, having been sent to Philadelphia in November 2023 as part of the James Harden blockbuster.
After playing a modest role for the Sixers in 2023/24, Martin re-signed with the club on a two-year, $16MM deal.
By waiving Martin, the Jazz opened up a training camp spot. They have 15 players on guaranteed contracts.
According to Spotrac contributor Keith Smith (Twitter link), the Jazz could create up to $10.5MM in salary cap space, but will continue to operate as an over-the-cap team for now. Utah has an $18.4MM traded player exception for John Collins that is keeping them over the cap.
Martin could be an interesting option for a team seeking help at the forward spots once he clears waivers.