Caleb Martin has been ridiculed for “fumbling the bag” after joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $32 million contract instead of signing a five-year, $65 million offer from the Miami Heat.
But instead of having regrets about his latest financial decision, the 28-year-old plans to use this as a lesson as he looks forward to the new chapter of his NBA career.
“Just certain things didn’t work. There were a lot of things behind the scenes that went on. Ultimately, there was a lot in making that decision. There’s a lot that contributed to how everything went. But past is past, can’t do nothing about that,” Martin said during his introductory press conference via ESPN.
“I’m looking forward to being here and being a part of Philly and trying to bring everything I can in order to try and win a championship. That’s my main focus now,” he reiterated.
Before moving to the Philadelphia 76ers, Caleb Martin spent the last three seasons with the Miami Heat.
After a career 2023-24 campaign averaging 10.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 43.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent from three-point land, Martin was expected to fetch nearly $13 million in annual salary (which is exactly what the Miami Heat offered) after he opted out of his $7.13 million player option.
Caleb Martin’s expected role with the Philadelphia 76ers
With his ability to play the 3 and the 4, Caleb Martin will likely fill a starting spot alongside Paul George, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Credit: AP Photo
Martin has built a reputation of being a playoff performer, a much-needed boost for the Philadelphia 76ers since they haven’t made it to at least the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the most proactive teams this offseason, spending roughly $400 million to get Paul George, keeping Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tyrese Maxey, and signing free agents Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin.
