Kenyon Martin is a retired American professional basketball player with an estimated net worth of $60 million.
Over the course of a 15-year NBA career, Martin earned approximately $113 million in salary alone, establishing himself as one of the league’s most physical and athletic power forwards of the 2000s.
Standing 6-foot-9, Martin played for several NBA franchises, including the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks.
He also had a brief stint overseas with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China during the 2011 NBA lockout.
Early Life And Background
Kenyon Lee Martin was born on December 30, 1977, in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised by his mother, Lydia Moore, a single parent, Martin grew up in Dallas, Texas, after his family relocated to the Oak Cliff neighborhood in search of better opportunities.
Martin faced early challenges, including a stuttering issue that affected his confidence. However, sports became both an outlet and a defining force in his life.
Excelling in baseball, football, and basketball, it was on the hardwood that he truly distinguished himself.
After attracting national attention through AAU competition, he committed to the University of Cincinnati, graduating from Bryan Adams High School in 1996 before enrolling in college later that year.
NCAA Career At Cincinnati
At Cincinnati, Martin played under renowned head coach Bob Huggins. He developed into one of the most dominant defensive players in program history.
To this day, Martin remains:
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The Bearcats’ all-time leader in career blocked shots
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The program’s leader in field goal percentage
In recognition of his impact, the University of Cincinnati retired his #4 jersey on April 25, 2000 — a rare honor that underscored his collegiate legacy.
NBA Career
No. 1 Overall Draft Pick
Kenyon Martin was selected first overall in the 2000 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets, becoming one of the last American-born college seniors to be taken with the top pick.
As a rookie, he earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.
Rise with the New Jersey Nets
During his second season, Martin played a pivotal role in transforming the Nets from division cellar-dwellers into Eastern Conference champions.
His athleticism, defensive intensity, and interior scoring helped power the franchise to its most successful stretch in team history at the time.
Denver Nuggets Years And Injury Challenges
Following the 2003–04 season, Martin was traded to the Denver Nuggets in a sign-and-trade deal involving three future first-round draft picks.
While productive in Denver, his tenure was heavily impacted by knee injuries. He underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee in 2005 and later required a similar procedure on his right knee becoming one of the first NBA players to successfully return from microfracture surgeries on both knees.
Despite these setbacks, Martin continued contributing at a high level when healthy, though injuries ultimately limited his long-term dominance.
China And Late-Career NBA Stints
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Martin signed a one-year deal with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China. After securing early release, he returned to the NBA in 2012 with the Los Angeles Clippers.
In 2013, he joined the New York Knicks on a series of ten-day contracts before earning a full-season deal. His veteran leadership and defensive presence provided a boost to an injury-depleted Knicks roster.
Martin later signed a short-term deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2015 before officially announcing his retirement from professional basketball on July 3, 2015.
Career Earnings And Contracts
Throughout his NBA career, Kenyon Martin earned approximately:
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$113 million in total salary
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Multiple multi-year contracts across five NBA franchises
Although injuries limited his peak earning potential compared to some contemporaries, Martin still secured substantial long-term financial success through his contracts.
Real Estate Investments
After retiring from basketball, Martin turned his attention to real estate ventures.
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Sold his Woodland Hills home for approximately $1.5 million
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Listed the property again in 2017 for $1.79 million
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Listed a renovated Calabasas property in 2020 for $3.599 million
He modernized several properties with minimalist design updates, including polished concrete flooring and contemporary finishes.
Philanthropic Work
Kenyon Martin has been deeply involved in charitable initiatives, particularly those connected to speech disorders and youth development.
His philanthropic efforts include:
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Active supporter and board member of The Stuttering Foundation of America
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Recipient of the Freeing Voices, Changing Lives Leadership Award (2008)
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Honorary Ambassador for the March of Dimes Colorado Chapter
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Participant in “The Summer Groove” charity event benefiting Alonzo Mourning Charities and Dwyane Wade’s World Foundation
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Supporter of the Special Olympics
Martin’s advocacy work reflects his personal journey overcoming a childhood stutter and his commitment to empowering others.
FAQ
Did Kenyon Martin play overseas?
Yes. During the 2011 NBA lockout, he briefly played for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China.
What injuries affected Kenyon Martin’s career?
Martin underwent microfracture surgeries on both knees, becoming one of the first NBA players to return from the procedure on both knees.
What charities does Kenyon Martin support?
He supports The Stuttering Foundation of America, the Special Olympics, March of Dimes, and other youth-focused charitable initiatives.