According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Philadelphia 76ers are signing Miami Heat free agent forward Caleb Martin. In a corresponding move, the 76ers are waiving big man Paul Reed.
Free agent F Caleb Martin is finalizing a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Impactful pickup for the Sixers, who bring on the playoff-tested veteran from Miami. pic.twitter.com/wc4hC6qJbm
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024
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The 28-year-old had recently declined his $7.13 million player option. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Martin also rejected a five-year, $65 million contract extension to remain with the Heat. Instead, Martin signed a four-year, $32 million contract to sign with the 76ers.
So Martin turned down 5 years 65 M from Heat, and then a week later settled for what ESPN said is 4 years topping 32 M from 76ers. Martin rep thought Heat offer wasn’t good enough, which dumbfounded Heat.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 6, 2024
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Martin spent the last three seasons of his career with the Heat after signing with the team in September 2021. During his Miami tenure, Martin averaged 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 46.3% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. The North Carolina native is perhaps most known for his impressive playoff performances. During Miami’s NBA Finals run in 2023, Martin averaged 12.7 points per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and 42.3% from the three-point line.
REPORT: Philadelphia 76ers Adding Elite Sharpshooter to Roster
Caleb Martin is Just One Change the 76ers Have Made
The 76ers are looking like one of the clear winners of the 2024 NBA offseason. After their first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks, it was important for them to change their roster around to maximize their championship window. And so far, they have done exactly that. The biggest move they made was signing star wing Paul George away from the Los Angeles Clippers. Additionally, the team drafted Jared McCain and also signed veterans Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond. By adding Martin, they are inching even closer to becoming immediate title contenders, if they were not there already.
Furthermore, Philadelphia also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year deal and signed All-Star Tyrese Maxey to a five-year contract extension.
The Last Word on Caleb Martin
With Tobias Harris headed back to the Detroit Pistons and Buddy Hield going to the Golden State Warriors, Martin will likely become a starter for the 76ers. According to Wojnarowski, the plan is for Martin to be their starting power forward. Additionally, he offers fantastic perimeter scoring and has developed a reputation as a playoff performer up to this point. Furthermore. of everybody currently on the 76ers roster, Martin is the only one with NBA Finals experience. Signing him away from Miami is a good move for the 76ers.
The 76ers are already looking like a significantly improved team that is now ready to make a deep playoff push. With the offseason still being young, it will be interesting to see what GM Daryl Morey does to improve the roster ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.
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