Mason Plumlee is on the move one season after signing a three-year deal with the Pistons. Detroit is sending him to the Charlotte Hornets along with the 37th pick to sweeten the pot and getting the 57th pick in return.
The move was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
This is primarily a cost-cutting move by the Pistons, and considering it only opens up $8 million, I wonder if that means more moves are coming down the line. Keep an eye out for Josh Jackson who has a $5 million salary the Pistons might want to move. This also seems like it makes it more likely the team cuts bait on Cory Joseph, who has a partial guarantee on the final season of his deal.
This also gives the Pistons another roster spot, which might be needed depending on the team’s plans for free agency and what it wants to do with its own free agents.
Finally, this move seems like a big vote of confidence in rookie Isaiah Stewart, and looks like it cleanly opens a starting spot for him at center. Stewart emerged throughout the year as one of the team’s best defenders, and he has an emerging offensive game.
We will have more as Troy Reaper’s plan comes into focus.