Clippers eyeing another trade following Mason Plumlee injury
Mason Plumlee could miss up to two months of basketball after the veteran big man sprained his MCL . His injury leaves the Los Angeles Clippers short on depth at center, and they could look to make another trade to strengthen their rotation.
The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Daniel Theis of the Indiana Pacers could emerge as a target.
"The team is, however, looking into veteran big men," Charania said. "One player they're showing interest in, I'm told, is Pacers big man Daniel Theis. The Pacers are not rushed but are open to a potential move with Theis, as he's yet to play this season following a standout World Cup en route to a gold medal with Germany."
Theis would bring significant experience to the Clippers bench rotation. The veteran big man has played 313 NBA games, along with 40 postseason appearances. Theis was part of the Boston Celtics team that made the NBA Finals in 2022. He is also a seasoned professional in the European ranks and is currently a world champion with his German squad winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The Clippers would need to match Theis' $9.1 million salary in order to get a potential deal across the line. Should the Western Conference team strike a trade with the Pacers, it would be their second in-season trade this season. L.A. added James Harden to the roster in a recent trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. Theis may want assurances that he will still see the court once Plumee returns to fitness, though.
It's clear that the Clippers are all-in on winning a championship this season. They've made multiple win-now moves. Strengthening their center rotation would be the next step in getting ready for the postseason. Theis can work as both a power forward and center. He's also impactful as an off-ball screener and provides offensive versatility with his two-level scoring.
A deal for Theis may not happen in the near future, but he is certainly a name to keep an eye on as we get closer to the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
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