Report: Kings interested in Hornets center Mason Plumlee
Feb 5, 2023, 11:02 AM | Updated: 11:04 am
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
As we move within four days of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, rumors are beginning to trickle in about some potential moves that could be on the near horizon.
The Sacramento Kings are in the market for front-court help, and NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Saturday that the team is interested in Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee.
Plumlee, a nine-year veteran, is averaging 12.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 67 percent from the field (third-highest mark in the NBA).
Sources say Sacramento has inquired about the availability of Charlotte’s Mason Plumlee. The Kings are known to be shopping both Richaun Holmes and Alex Len while likewise hoping to make a defensive-minded upgrade or two in advance of the club’s first playoff appearance in (no misprint) 17 seasons.
NBA Trade Deadline latest and an all-new batch of Weekend Whispers has been freshly dispatched to inboxes and @SubstackInc apps worldwide: https://t.co/Q3kyXcU18n
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 4, 2023
Sacramento has struggled to find stability in its backup center role, with Richaun Holmes and Chimezie Metu having spent a majority of the season taking turns at the position behind All-Star big Domantas Sabonis.
The Kings are getting little production out of Holmes and Metu, something that needs to be addressed if Sacramento is to survive Sabonis-less minutes during the final months of the season–and especially during a potential postseason appearance in April.
Entering play on Sunday, the Kings (29-21) hold the third spot in the Western Conference and sit at the top of the Pacific Division with over half of the regular season in the books.
Recently extended general manager Monte McNair isn’t expected to make any blockbuster moves like last season’s trade with the Indiana Pacers, but addressing areas of need like backup center and defensive impact appear to be on the to-do list. A move for Plumlee would address one area of concern, as the Duke product could provide Sacramento with a serviceable backup to Sabonis.
Plumlee’s play-style–rebounding the basketball, scoring around the rim, and distributing to teammates–would act as a solid placeholder that can allow Sabonis to get longer periods of rest. The All-Star is currently logging 34.6 minutes per game, something that head coach Mike Brown has said he will look to manage in order to keep Sabonis fresh.
Sacramento could open up its chest of second round picks in a deal for Plumlee, while also offering expiring contracts in Terence Davis and Alex Len to take back the 32-year-old’s expiring $9 million contract.
Along with the pursuit of a bench big, the Kings have also shown interest in Philadelphia 76ers defensive guard Matisse Thybulle, but Sacramento will have competition for the two-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive second team.
The Atlanta Hawks have emerged as a team that is motivated to add Thybulle to its roster, while the Golden State Warriors have also shown interest in the 25-year-old.
When it comes to NBA trade rumors, we’re just getting started as we inch closer to Thursday’s 12:00 PM PST deadline.
