When the Detroit Pistons signed Mason Plumlee most fans were not happy. It looked like another Piston overpay for a mediocre player with little upside.
Someone forgot to tell Mason Plumlee, who has played himself into a tradeable asset for the Detroit Pistons.
Plumlee is averaging 9.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, three assists and a steal per game, showing himself to be a versatile big man who can do a lot of things on both ends.
Plumlee is no All-Star but there are plenty of teams that could use a backup big man who brings a lot to the table and takes very little off of it.
He’s the type of player who could slide into almost any roster and make an impact, and there are at least five teams that might be interested.
Detroit Pistons: Trading Mason Plumlee to the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are just one game out of the final playoff spot and would love to get there this year.
They just lost their starting center Wendell Carter Jr. for several months to injury and are currently starting Daniel Gafford at center.
Gafford is a better shot-blocker than Plumlee but that’s about it. He’s only playing 14.6 minutes per game for the Bulls and averages about as many fouls as rebounds.
If the Bulls want to make the playoffs then they might need an upgrade at center that Plumlee could provide.
Detroit Pistons: Trading Mason Plumlee to the New Orleans Pelicans
Two of the most disappointing teams in the NBA are in the Southwest Division. Both the New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks were supposed to compete for playoff spots, and in the case of Dallas, many had them picked to go to the Finals.
The Pelicans acquired Steven Adams in the offseason but have only 20-year-old Jaxson Hayes behind him and Hayes is not good.
The Pelicans could use a versatile big who can pass, as their guards don’t make plays and Stan Van Gundy’s offense likes to work from the inside out.
Plumlee would be an upgrade over what they have now but the Pelicans’ season might be over anyway.
Detroit Pistons: Trading Mason Plumlee to the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks have lost six-in-a-row and are probably the most disappointing team in the NBA.
They definitely need a shake-up and probably a bigger one than Mason Plumlee can provide.
But right now they have Willie Cauley-Stein as their backup center and he is not doing much of anything.
Plumlee would definitely be an upgrade off the bench though at this point it’s unclear if the Mavericks have changed the expectations for their season after such a terrible start.
If Dallas still believes it can get back in it, then they might be interested in a versatile center who fits in nicely with what they already have.
Detroit Pistons: Trading Mason Plumlee to the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are another team that could use some big man depth off their bench.
They were running Dario Saric before he went out with injury and are now stuck with Frank Kaminsky as their only true backup center.
Plumlee is the type of smart player who would fit in well with Chris Paul and could complement some of the bigs they already have.
The Suns are currently the 5th seed but have been hit with the injury bug, so they may make a move for some veteran depth sooner than later.
Detroit Pistons: Trading Mason Plumlee to the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are another team that has suffered some key injuries. Kevon Looney is day-to-day after twisting his ankle and rookie James Wiseman is out indefinitely with a wrist injury.
The Warriors do not have a real center on their roster unless you count Draymond Green, who has been fine defensively but has fallen off just about everywhere else.
Plumlee would give them a versatile big in the second unit who can pass, which is what you want when you have shooters like Golden State.
There are at least five teams that might have interest in Mason Plumlee right now. The Detroit Pistons don’t have to trade him, but if they do, there will be interest.