Amick: KMart "Considers" Nets

Kenyon Martin famously left the Nets in July 2004, effectively ending the team's chances at a third trip to the NBA Finals. Now, writes Sam Amick, he's "considering" a return if not to New Jersey then to Brooklyn. Martin could be the fifth "big" Billy King says he's looking for. He is of course, not a natural center. KMart also likes the Lakers.

The 12-year veteran was a key reserve for the Clippers, his impact going way beyond his marginal numbers (5.2 points, 4.3 rebounds) for a team that reached the second round of the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. But sources said the 34-year-old power forward is holding up this later stage of the hiring process for frontcourt free agents, with the Lakers and the Nets among the teams he's considering.

Martin has been quoted as saying he won't sign for vets minimum, but increasingly he has little leverage, with other free agents already agreeing to smaller deals and cap space at a premium. The Nets have only a vets minimum to offer and while L.A. has some MLE money, Mitch Kupchak has said he doesn't intend to use it. Theoretically, the Nets could do a sign-and-trade with the Clippers using their own free agents, but they'd almost certainly have to give up something like cash considerations or a draft pick.

• Free agency continues ever so slowly - Sam Amick - Sports Illustrated