The NBA Draft kicks off Thursday night, and the Nets will look just a bit different no matter what happens. One possible difference? The team is exploring trades for backup center Mason Plumlee, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
ESPN sources say Nets continue to explore trade possibilities with their Team USA center Mason Plumlee in advance of Thursday's NBA Draft
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 23, 2015
The Nets had a chance to discuss trading Plumlee in December, when the Sacramento Kings asked for him in a package that would’ve sent Deron Williams westward. But the Nets balked at including Plumlee, who was in the midst of a hot streak as Brook Lopez sat out with a back injury. Plumlee ended the season with averages of 8.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game, playing in all 82 games.
But the 24-year-old is one of Brooklyn’s top trade assets, and as the draft draws nearer, Plumlee’s name has popped up more and more in rumors. The Nets could try to package him with their 29th pick to move up in the draft, or use him as a sweetener should they look to shed one of their bigger contracts. Update: It appears the Nets would only use Plumlee to move up in the draft:
As for Mason Plumlee, word at this stage is that Nets unlikely to part with the young center unless deal can net pick in Thursday's lottery
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 24, 2015
