Trade Target KJ Martin Introduces Himself To Jazz Fans With Block

SALT LAKE CITY—KJ Martin, the lone trade deadline acquisition that stuck with the Utah Jazz post-All-Star break, is off to a good start with his new team. The fifth-year guard scored his first bucket with the team in his first game Friday night. 

The Jazz (13-41) is hosting the Western Conference-leading OKC Thunder (44-10) at Delta Center on Friday, February 21. The Jazz are half a game better than New Orleans in the West but have the third-worst record in the league.

Oklahoma City is 2-0 against Utah this season, winning 133-106 in early December and downing the Jazz 123-114 one month ago.

RELATED: Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Live Blog

do what you do then, @kj__martin! 😈🚫 pic.twitter.com/SmeSr2Fyyl

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 22, 2025

SCoreless in 13 minutes, Martin showed off his defensive acumen with a highlight reel block on Chet Holmgren. Holmgren though he had an easy layup, only to find Martin soaring at the top of the square to swat the shot away.

Martin is 0-1 from three with a steal and a block in his Utah Jazz debut.

About KJ Martin

Martin, 24, is in his fifth season in the NBA. He began his career with the Houston Rockets in 2020.

The son of former number-one overall pick Kenyon Martin, KJ earned a spot in the Rockets rotation, averaging 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in 45 appearances as a rookie.

Let’s get to know @kj__martin a little better 🎙️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/qNcB01jcPL

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 9, 2025

In his third season, Martin averaged 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in 59 starts before Houston traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023.

The Jazz traded Dennis Schroder to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Martin, Josh Richardson, and a 2028 second-round draft pick. Richardson was waived shortly after the trade.

Ryan Smith Hopes To Break The Mold With Utah Jazz Rebuild

The Jazz are in the thick of a race for the top odds in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.

With elite prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and Ace Bailey waiting to hear their names called in June, multiple NBA teams are focused on the summer rather than the games in front of them.

Cody and Jalen face each other on the court tonight for the first time ever in a professional game 👀

Make sure to tune in to tonight’s game on KJZZ & JAZZ+ to catch the full sit-down interview with the Williams brothers 🫶#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/xkWXI7z8ct

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 21, 2025

However, landing a top pick is never a certainty, and Smith acknowledged the Jazz may need to be proactive.

“We’re hoping to do something a little different in Utah Jazz history,” Smith said. “I don’t think we’ve ever moved up in the draft, and I don’t think we’ve ever had the No. 1 pick. In these situations, you work with what you’ve got. If you look through history, it’s pretty tough to predict exactly who is going to go where. If there’s a situation where we decide to move or get more aggressive with some of the assets we have, I think we’ll be active.”

In most cases, championship contenders are built through the draft and free agency.

Keep building good habits and getting the most out of every game 📈

We're back from break and Lauri gets into what a successful end of season looks like, his thoughts on a 4 Nations style NBA tournament and how he spent his break.#ShootaroundInterviews presented by @ZionsBank

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 21, 2025

As a smaller-market team, the Jazz have traditionally relied on the draft rather than free agency to build contenders. But Smith believes that could change.

“There will be a day where bigger players decide they want to be here,” Smith said. “That’s our goal. I know everyone runs with that, the ‘big game hunting.’ We should not lose sight of that. We’re trying everything we can with the league—all of the moves we’re making to try to make it a place that they desire. The secret is definitely out that this is a place where people can lock in. We’re due at some point to have a big signing come our way.”

Jazz-Thunder Gameday Reading

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Follow the Utah Jazz with KSL Sports

Tonight’s game against the Thunder is being televised on KJZZ, streamed on SEG+, and heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone.

Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky. 

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X and Instagram at @bpreece24. 

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