Mason Plumlee Trade Eligibility Sparks Discussion Amid NBA Movement
Veteran center Mason Plumlee has officially entered the trade conversation as he becomes eligible to be moved. This development comes at a time when teams across the NBA are actively reshaping their rosters. Alongside Plumlee, notable names such as James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Julius Randle, Myles Turner, and Fred VanVleet have also found themselves in the mix, all subject to the recent trade restrictions.
Plumlee’s Limited Trade Value
While Plumlee’s eligibility adds another piece to the trade puzzle for the Charlotte Hornets, his value remains limited. At 35 years old and poised to turn 36 in March, his contributions on the court have dwindled, particularly for a struggling Hornets team that holds an 8-18 record. His role has been minimal this season, making him a potential salary filler in any trade situation rather than a coveted asset.
Despite his situation, Plumlee’s contract carries a cap hit of $2,296,274, which could be useful for teams needing to balance their financials in a deal. However, Charlotte is currently focused on evaluating its roster at full strength. With key players LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, and Collin Sexton sidelined, head coach Charles Lee has indicated that their return could be imminent, which complicates any immediate trades.
Potential Trade Scenarios
While the Hornets are not actively pursuing trades at this moment, the possibility of attaching a future second-round draft pick to move Plumlee is on the table. This would likely be necessary for another team to take on his contract, especially considering his minimal impact this season. There’s even speculation that any acquiring team might choose to waive him, allowing Plumlee to explore free agency.
Through 11 appearances this season, Plumlee has averaged just 1.9 points and three rebounds, while showcasing an impressive shooting percentage of 85% from the floor. With Moussa Diabate currently dealing with a knee issue, it may be prudent for Charlotte to retain Plumlee for the time being, given their lack of depth at the center position.
Looking Ahead
As the trade landscape evolves, the Hornets will have additional options as January 15 approaches, when Tre Mann will also become trade-eligible following the restrictions tied to his recent contract. This could provide Charlotte with more flexibility in their roster decisions as they navigate this season’s challenges.
