The Los Angeles Clippers traded guard Reggie Jackson, a 2028 second-round draft pick and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mason Plumlee, the teams announced Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Following the trade, the Hornets and Jackson are likely to agree to a contract buyout, according to league sources.
- Jackson, 32, has averaged 10.9 points and 3.5 assists per game this season for Los Angeles. He joins a Hornets backcourt with LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier.
- Plumlee, 32, has scored 12.2 points and added 9.7 rebounds per contest this season in Charlotte. He is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, minutes, and free throw attempts while starting all 56 of his games this season.
- The Clippers (31-27) sit in sixth place in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has been busy during the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Eric Gordon and Bones Hyland while moving John Wall and Luke Kennard.
The Charlotte Hornets and guard Reggie Jackson are likely to agree to a contract buyout, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Jackson will be among top point guards on the open market and will prioritize contending. Hornets set to play younger players down stretch.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2023
How does Plumlee fit with the Clippers?
Ivica Zubac is averaging a career-high 29.3 minutes per game. It’s a number that might be too high. Zubac has been a solid presence inside, but his rim protection and general mobility haven’t been as crisp as it was to begin the season. Plumlee is qualified to be a legitimate backup center. He was starting for the Hornets, and he has the ability to pass the ball, rebound and finish inside.
Advertisement
Concerns about Plumlee’s shooting — he is a converted southpaw who has actually made more midrange shots than Zubac this season — shouldn’t matter much. However, the concern that does matter is Plumlee’s defense, as he doesn’t block shots and has been a part of poor defenses lately.
Considering the fact that Plumlee cost the Clippers Jackson, it’s a consolidation move that balances the roster. He may be the most impactful addition for the Clippers overall ahead of the buyout market. — Murray
Required reading
- Reggie Jackson, the Clippers and his arrival at a critical crossroads
- Clippers acquire Bones Hyland from Nuggets: Report
(Photo: Brian Rothmuller / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)