There’s no shortage when it comes to the Milwaukee Bucks’ needs during the offseason. One potential player the front office can target in the coming months is Charlotte Hornets wing Cody Martin.

Milwaukee Bucks, Cody Martin
Mar 1, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Martin was chosen as the 36th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2019 NBA draft. In the 2021, he showed promise by playing in 71 games and achieving a career-high average of 7.7 points per game. However, over the past two years, Martin’s playing time has been significantly reduced, participating in only 35 games.

Milwaukee Bucks, Cody MartinFeb 25, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) in the first quarter at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, Martin underwent knee arthroscopic surgery, expecting to rebound strongly in the following season. Unfortunately, his journey turned into a frustrating ordeal as he experienced persistent soreness from the surgery and an unfortunate ankle injury.

Despite these setbacks, Martin gained recognition in Charlotte for his exceptional on-ball defensive skills, making him one of the team’s standout defenders in recent memory. Although he struggled to regain top form this year, he displayed glimpses of his former self in the 28 games he played. However, his career-high 7.7 field goal attempts per game this year coincided with a career-low field goal percentage of 38 percent

Charlotte Hornets Wing Cody Martin Named as Potential Milwaukee Bucks Trade Target

Milwaukee Bucks, Cody MartinFeb 25, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) scores against the Portland Trail Blazers in the second quarter at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Martin has been struggling to stay healthy, there is still some upside for any team willing to sign him up. Brian Sampson of Forbes explained why the Hornets wing can be the ideal acquisition for Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and a great guy to slot next to two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star guard Damian Lillard.

“Cody Martin is set to make $8.1 million in 2024-25 and $8.7 million in 2025-26, with the latter being non-guaranteed. This contract could be highly attractive to the Milwaukee Bucks for several reasons.

First, Martin provides the size and defensive versatility that would complement Damian Lillard in the backcourt. Standing at 6-foot-5, Martin is capable of guarding wings, a critical need for Milwaukee on their path to the NBA Finals.

His length and agility also allow him to disrupt opposing point guards, adding another layer to the Bucks’ defensive schemes. Beyond his defensive acumen, Martin brings a level of hustle and energy to the court. He battles on every possession and excels as a glue guy, doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for team success,” Sampson wrote.

If Martin manages to stay health, he can bring a lot of advantages to the table because of his two-way game. With him potentially on the court, the Bucks performance on both ends of the court will be improved.
Milwaukee Bucks, Cody MartinFeb 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) on the dribble against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
It remains to be seen whether Milwaukee can land Martin or if he can even stay healthy for next season. What’s certain, though is that he offers a lot of promise for a very affordable price.

Milwaukee Bucks, Cody MartinMar 1, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (11) shoots the ball Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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