Kenyon Martin is the latest NBA star who will not participate in the Olympic games this summer.

Martin wants to be in the middle of the free-agency process Whether he is in deep negotiations with the Nets or looking at other teams, Martin wants to be in the thick of the process.

?I don't want to be thousands and thousands of miles away on the phone,? he said.  ?I want to physically be involved.?

As for the Olympics, Martin said, "It's a good opportunity that doesn't come that often ? but I had to sit down with my wife and make a decision."

Martin?s contract negotiations with the Nets have become strained. After the team signed Jason Kidd to a $103 million deal last summer, they offered Martin a six-year, $66-million contract that disappointed the star forward.  Martin is now seeking a maximum contract extension worth between $80 million and $90 million.