The Nuggets traded former first-round draft pick to Portland on Sunday, a deal that, in part, brings Mason Plumlee to Denver, a league source confirmed.
The deal sends Nurkic and Memphis’ first-round draft pick to Portland. In return, the Nuggets are getting Plumlee, a 2018 second-rounder, and cash. It brings a close to a frustrating time for Nurkic, who is in search of more playing time and will get it with the Trail Blazers, who are looking for added defensive presence in the post.
What the Nuggets like most about what they are getting in Plumlee, a 6-foot-11 center out of Duke, is his versatility. They have long coveted Plumlee as an ideal complement to their frontcourt. With the athleticism and size to play both frontcourt positions, coupled with being a good passer, Plumlee figures to fit well into the up-tempo offense the Nuggets have played this season.
With assets to move, and a 2017 free-agent class short on impactful names but long on available money, the move to secure Plumlee’s restricted rights played a huge role in the Nuggets’ trade as well. Outside of “stars,” it would have been difficult for the Nuggets to find a better complement to Jokic, And at 26, Plumlee is an ideal age to grow with the young core.
Plumlee was a first-round pick in 2013, 22nd overall by the . He was traded to Portland last season.
The deal, which was first reported by The Vertical, involves the coveted Memphis first-round pick, which is top-five protected. But that pick lost some of its luster with the accelerated, solid play of the Grizzlies this season under first-year head coach David Fizdale and should be a mid- to late first-rounder.
Nurkic was drafted by the Nuggets with the 16th pick in 2014.
