Caleb Martin was among the most important players for the Miami Heat last season, and will likely be so again this season.
Martin, 27, has developed into a Swiss army knife of sorts for the Heat. When they need a starting power forward, he steps up. If they need someone to anchor the bench unit, he’s willing. Or if they by chance need someone to average 19.3 points on 60% shooting and 6.4 rebounds in the Eastern Conference finals, apparently he can do that too.
Indeed, Martin could be included in a potential trade for Damian Lillard, but league sources say the Heat prefer to keep Martin out of a deal because they view him as a vital piece to the championship contender they aim to build.
Complicating matters is that Martin has a player option for the 2024-25 season and could become a free agent after this season. If Martin builds on last season, he is sure to earn a raise. If that happens, the Heat could have a hard time bringing him back. A lot can change between now and next summer, but here’s a look at some of the teams that could sign Martin away from Miami in 2024.
Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers will only have Joel Embiid, PJ Tucker and a few others under contract next season, with the large contracts of James Harden, Tobias Harris, De’Anthony Melton all set to expire. Tyrese Maxey will be a restricted free agent, but even if he re-signs the Sixers should have enough space to sign Martin. Martin seems like an ideal fit, unselfish enough to play next to a star like Embiid and versatile enough to help new coach Nick Nurse get to more nimble lineups. The question is whether team president Daryl Morey would prefer to use that space on a star player like Pascal Siakam, DeMar DeRozan or Klay Thompson.
Washington Wizards: The Jordan Poole era has begun, and this season in Washington will be figuring out if Poole is the sort of player they can build around or with. Either way, the Wizards don’t have proven wing depth and could be looking for a starter if one or two of the Corey Kispert-Patrick Baldwin Jr.-Bilal Coulibaly group doesn’t emerge as a reliable option. Rebuilding teams like Washington can be attracted to an infusion of the Heat’s culture, and Martin could see an opportunity to play big minutes as a starter.
Oklahoma City Thunder: With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have their star and could be ready to compete for a playoff spot in the West as soon as this season. While OKC has several interesting young wings, the only bona fide building blocks are Jalen Williams and Lu Dort. If they want to make a leap, adding a proven player like Martin to the mix could help solidify their wing rotation in advance of a playoff run.
Indiana Pacers: The Pacers could have upwards of $55 million in space next summer to build around Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin. Buddy Hield will be a free agent, as will Aaron Nesmith and Jordan Nwora — two of Indiana’s glue-guy wings. Minutes at small forward will be available. Martin would represent an upgrade at the position, especially defensively, and give Haliburton a trusted receiving target who can run the break, cut off the ball and make open jumpers.
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are ripe for a roster overhaul over the next 12 months. Siakam and Gary Trent Jr. are set to become free agents, while OG Anunoby will likely exercise his player option and sign a lucrative long-term deal as a free agent — either in Toronto or elsewhere. Most of the Raptors’ wing depth could leave in free agency and, even after drafting Grady Dick in the first round of June’s draft, they will need players who fit around young star Scottie Barnes. Martin could walk in and become one of Toronto’s most important rotation pieces right away. He can pick up difficult defensive assignments so Barnes doesn’t have to, run the floor and hit open 3s. Martin is capable of playing multiple positions and defending in complicated schemes, a prerequisite for many Raptors over the years.