The Timberwolves are interested in acquiring center Miles Plumlee from the Bucks, a source told Chris Broussard of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The club is trying to move shooting guard Kevin Martin and power forward Adreian Payne and is also willing to deal point guard Ricky Rubio, the source also told Broussard.
Plumlee was moved into Milwaukee’s starting lineup just before the All-Star break in an effort by coach Jason Kidd to shake things up on his disappointing club. Otherwise, Plumlee’s role has been limited most of the season. He’s averaging 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 9.5 minutes over 33 games. ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported in December that the Bucks were shopping Plumlee.
It would be the second time in as many seasons Plumlee would be moved just before the trade deadline if the Timberwolves acquire him. Plumlee was part of a three-way deal involving the Bucks, Suns and Sixers last season that included Brandon Knight and Michael Carter-Williams. He made 107 starts in 134 games with Phoenix after playing 14 games during his rookie campaign in 2012/13 with the Pacers.
The Timberwolves have paired up Gorgui Dieng and rookie sensation Karl-Anthony Towns in their lineup but have lacked depth up front because of nagging foot issues plaguing former starting center Nikola Pekovic.
Previous reports have indicated that Martin, Payne and Rubio were available, with Martin also drawing buyout interest if he’s not dealt. The Bucks appeared to have at least passing interest in Martin as of about a month ago.
I wouldn’t mind if the Bucks could snag Martin for miles and a couple of seconds?
Plumlee only makes $2MM, so the numbers wouldn’t add up.
Martin, LaVine and Payne.
For
Bayless, Plumlee and Vasquez.
Bucks get another 20 year old athlete without a position in LaVine take on a bunch of salary next year, which probably takes them out of the FA market.
Wolves get three expirings, the 40%:3 pt shooting in Bayless and an active big in Plumlee they could re-sign. The big upside is they clear a bunch of cap space to try to lure a FA to join Wigs-Rubs-KAT in the off season.
Martin, LaVine and Payne.
For
Bayless, Plumlee and Vasquez.
Bucks get another 20 year old athlete without a position in LaVine take on a bunch of salary next year, which probably takes them out of the FA market.
Wolves get three expirings, the 40%:3 pt shooting in Bayless and an active big in Plumlee they could re-sign. The big upside is they clear a bunch of cap space to try to lure a FA to join Wigs-Rubs-KAT in the off season.
??
Martin, LaVine and Payne.
For
Bayless, Plumlee and Vasquez.
Bucks get another 20 year old athlete without a position in LaVine take on a bunch of salary next year, which probably takes them out of the FA market.
Wolves get three expirings, the 40%:3 pt shooting in Bayless and an active big in Plumlee they could re-sign. The big upside is they clear a bunch of cap space to try to lure a FA to join Wigs-Rubs-KAT in the off season.
??
Wolve aren’t trading LaVine