Mason Plumlee will be sidelined for “multiple months” with an MCL sprain in his left knee, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (video link). The Clippers are optimistic that Plumlee will be able to return sometime before the end of the season, Charania adds.
The team is considering several veteran big men as potential replacements, Charania hears, including Pacers backup center Daniel Theis. He states that Indiana isn’t “rushed” to make a move with Theis, but is willing to listen to offers.
Plumlee suffered the injury Monday when Knicks forward Julius Randle hit his knee while diving for a ball. Plumlee couldn’t put any weight on the knee and had to be helped off the court by two members of the team’s training staff.
The 33-year-old center had appeared in all six of L.A.’s games before the injury and was averaging 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 17 minutes per night. The Clippers acquired him from Charlotte in a February trade, and he re-signed with the team this summer.
Theis, who hasn’t played yet this season, expressed unhappiness with his situation in Indiana last week. He is currently fourth among centers on the Pacers’ depth chart and doesn’t appear to have a future with the team.
After playing just seven games last season, Theis was hoping for an expanded role following his performance with Germany in the World Cup this summer, but it looks like a trade or buyout is the only way that will happen.
Theis makes $9.1MM this season, and his contract includes a $9.5MM team option for 2024/25.
I’m not a Clippers fan but as a Hoops fan I just hope they can stay healthy this season. I’d love to see them at their full potential with Leonard and George and watch where they can take it.
Theis plays the game right. One would think some contender would pick hin up considering there’s no money allocated to him beyond this year.
Not sure how Clips can easily match salary to trade for Theis’ $9.1 mil salary. Plus, you don’t want to give up too much for a 3rd string center. Don’t think they want to swap PJ’s defense for Theis.
Good to hear he will be back. Looked like a tear live. Get healthy player.
Theis would be a good pickup for them.
Plumlee and Coffey for Theis and a 2nd. Or
Just sign a veteran C out there
Pacers would have to cut a player for this trade to work. I don’t see why they do that unless they are way higher on Coffey than Nwora which I doubt. Also Theis isn’t playing because they have a logjam at center, I don’t think they will want Plumlee back.
I did notice that. Nwora at 25 with championship experience. They don’t want TJ McConnell anymore, they could trade him and waive the player coming back in the trade or waive plumblee.
Imagine a life where you’re essentially paid nearly 10 million to sit and do nothing