Kenyon Lee “KJ” Martin Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently signed with the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 215 lbs, Martin is recognized for his athleticism, versatility, and high-flying dunks, making him a dynamic forward in the league. At 24 years old, he continues to build on a promising career that began with the Houston Rockets and has seen him contribute to several NBA teams.
Early Life
Born on January 6, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, KJ Martin grew up in a basketball-centric environment. He attended Chaminade College Preparatory in his hometown before transferring to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, where he emerged as a three-star recruit. As a junior at Sierra Canyon, Martin averaged 20.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, showcasing his all-around skills. For his post-graduate year, he attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, further refining his game and averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game before declaring for the NBA draft.
Family Life
KJ Martin is the son of Kenyon Martin Sr., a former NBA All-Star and veteran of over 750 NBA games, whose legacy includes leading the New Jersey Nets to two NBA Finals appearances and earning an All-Star selection in 2004. The younger Martin has embraced his family’s basketball heritage, often drawing comparisons to his father’s aggressive style of play and athleticism. The Martin family’s deep connection to basketball has been a driving force in KJ’s development and motivation throughout his career.
Career
KJ Martin entered the NBA as the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, selected by the Sacramento Kings and subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets. He signed a four-year contract and made his NBA debut on January 8, 2021, against the Orlando Magic, scoring 7 points. Over three seasons with the Rockets, Martin became a reliable contributor, averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. In the 2022-23 season, he started 49 games, posting career highs of 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.Martin’s journey has included stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Utah Jazz. As of April 2025, he has played in over 290 NBA games, accumulating 2,532 points, 1,194 rebounds, and 342 assists. Known for his high-energy performances, Martin participated in the 2023 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting young players.
Net Worth
While specific figures for KJ Martin’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his NBA contracts, endorsements, and rising profile suggest a net worth in the multi-million dollar range. His four-year rookie contract with the Rockets and subsequent deals with the Clippers, 76ers, and Jazz have provided him with significant earnings, positioning him as a financially secure young athlete with continued growth potential.