Cody Martin, now in the third year of a four-year, $31 million contract, is eligible to sign an extension with the Charlotte Hornets. After facing a lengthy injury absence over the past two seasons, Martin stepped into the starting point guard position, where he averaged 7.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.6 turnovers per game, shooting 38% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc.
As the Hornets assess their roster, a key question arises: should they take advantage of Martin’s potentially low market value and secure him for the long term, or is the risk of long-term injury too significant?
An extremely encouraging overall performance and return from Cody Martin.
This play in particular suggests he’s feeling confident physically with that left knee which he jumps off on this play pic.twitter.com/yyDNQ9Q8nU
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) December 28, 2023
Cody Martin can sign an extension starting at a maximum of 140% of his final-year salary of $8.6 million, which means his new salary could reach up to $12.1 million annually. With 8% annual raises, a four-year extension could total approximately $54 million. However, even matching his current contract value may prove challenging for Martin.
There are two primary obstacles to extending Cody Martin. First, his concerning health history, having played only 35 games over the last two seasons. Although he seemed to have overcome a hip and knee issue last season, an unfortunate ankle sprain in early March ended his 2023-24 season. Given his limited playing time and long-term health concerns, extending his contract through 2026 poses significant risks for the team.
Second, Martin will turn 29 before the next season, having entered the NBA as a 24-year-old senior. By the end of his current contract in 2026, he will be 31, suggesting that his peak performance years may already be behind him.
Martin’s 2025-26 season is fully non-guaranteed, making it more likely that he could be waived due to health issues rather than securing an extension. Considering his recent injury challenges and uncertain future, it seems improbable that the Hornets will pursue an extension at this time. Martin will need to play a full, healthy season (or possibly two) and demonstrate his value before any discussions about an extension might be revisited next year.
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