NBA Rumors : Sacramento Kings Targeting Hornets' Big Man

The Sacramento Kings are sitting in the 3-seed in the Western Conference at 29-23, and for the first time since 2006, they'll be making a legitimate push for a playoff spot as we head down the stretch. They have four days left to try to add some defensive help before the trade deadline. 

And according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, they've got a backup big in their sights.

The Kings have interest in Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee, per @TheSteinLine.

Plumlee is averaging 12.3 PTS, 9.7 REB, 3.7 AST and 0.6 BLK per game while shooting 67% from the field (3rd in the NBA).

The center is on an expiring $9 million deal.

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) February 4, 2023

Sources say Sacramento has inquired about the availability of Charlotte's Mason Plumlee. The Kings are known to be shopping both Richaun Holmes and Alex Len while likewise hoping to make a defensive-minded upgrade or two in advance of the club's first playoff appearance in (no misprint) 17 seasons.

Plumlee is on a $9M expiring deal, and in his contract year, is having the best season of his 10-year career. He's averaging 12.3 points per game, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting 67% from the field—good for 3rd-best in the league. 

Plumlee has an elite defensive rating of 107.4 in his career, though it's tailed off a bit in the last year or two. 

The Hornets are in tank-mode, and looking to sell off assets, while the Kings are looking for an upgrade in reserve at the five, behind All-Star Domantas Sabonis. 

With the 22nd-ranked defensive rating in the league, the Kings are also looking to improve on the perimeter, and to that end, they're a prime suitor for a top defensive wing from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports