Ranking 6 rumored Cavs center free agent targets from worst to best

No. 2: Mason Plumlee, LA Clippers

If Cleveland wants to bring in a big with post season experience and size to deter inside shooting, Mason Plumlee could be the guy for the job. At seven feet tall, Plumlee maintains the tall frontcourt the Cavs have grown accustomed to since pairing Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Plumlee started his season with the Hornets but was eventually traded to the Clippers at the trade deadline. In LA, Plumlee has averaged 7.5 points on 72.7% field goal percentage.

Although the Cilppers would eventually fall to Kevin Durant and the Suns in the first round due to both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George being sidelined by injuries yet again, Plumlee had an average plus-minus of 2.6 over the five games in that series. Additionally, he shot 92.9% from the free throw line, an area of the game in which neither Evan Mobley nor Jarrett Allen have been able to consistently succeed.

Conversely, Plumlee is another center that does not add any floor spacing with zero threes attempted this year. His inside scoring and defensive presence may make up for that, though, in the eyes of Cleveland’s President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman. Plumlee has played in the postseason six times, giving another veteran presence with playoff experience to the roster.

Assuming that the Cavaliers add shooting depth at the wing spot, Mason Plumlee would be the best choice to sign this offseason. He has a valuable skill set and is a veteran leader. The real challenge will be outbidding the Clippers who are likely to try re-signing Plumlee this summer. It might come down to whatever team has the better pitch.