NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers, Kings, Heat Target 76ers' Caleb Martin Before 2025 Deadline

Caleb Martin is reportedly receiving trade interest from several hopeful contenders midway through his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings "are conducting due diligence on a potential trade," while the Miami Heat are also "contemplating" a deal for Martin, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Pompey noted that sources say both that Martin "would prefer to stay put," and that "the feeling is mutual."

"The team is aware of the impact he could have during a playoff run," Pompey wrote.

Martin, who spent his last three seasons as a role player with the Heat, had slotted into a starting role in Philadelphia prior to the groin and hip issues that have sidelined him since Jan. 10.

He is playing in the first year of a four-year, $35 million deal he inked in Philadelphia last summer, which includes a $9.3 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

Potential contenders looking for depth could be willing to pay up to acquire a 3-and-D player like Martin. The 76ers could meanwhile consider stocking up on draft assets after a 19-28 start to the season that leaves the team at risk at potentially missing out on the play-in tournament this spring.

On the other hand, Martin's $8.7 million average annual salary makes him an affordable starting option. That's a valuable commodity for a Sixers team that has already committed more than 93 percent of next season's cap to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey (h/t Spotrac.)

After their blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić, the Lakers could hope adding Martin will provide an important depth piece for their hopeful run to the title. The Kings could meanwhile use a roster boost as the team prepares to lose De'Aaron Fox while battling the Golden State Warriors for the last play-in spot in the West.

It's not clear if Martin would be interested in a return to the Heat. He cited "a lot of things behind the scenes" in explaining his reported decision to turn down more money to stay in Miami, per ESPN.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported last Monday that the Sixers "want to gauge results over the next week-plus before firming up their trade deadline approach." The countdown is now down to three games as the 76ers prepare to face the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Heat ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.