Thunder's Martin Signs With Timberwolves

The Oklahoma City Thunder brass talked constantly last season about trying to sign swingman Kevin Martin to a long-term deal. 

Those hopes officially went out the window Tuesday when Martin signed a four-year, $28 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Martin averaged 14 points per game last season for Oklahoma City while shooting a career-high 43 percent from downtown.  He was acquired by the Thunder in the infamous James Harden trade just prior to the beginning of last season. 

The nine-year veteran will reportedly move back into a starting role with the Wolves after spending last season as OKC's sixth man. 

7/1/2013 RELATED STORY: Thunder's Free Agency Options

The Thunder will now turn to cheaper options in free agency in an attempt to fill the void left by Martin.