The Sacramento Kings are searching for answers after a dismal start to the season, and they are turning to a well-traveled veteran in hopes of stabilizing their shaky frontcourt.
Sacramento is signing free agent center Mason Plumlee to a deal, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Plumlee’s agents, Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of Priority Sports, confirmed the deal to ESPN. The 36-year-old is entering his 14th NBA season.
The signing makes Sacramento the 10th NBA team of Plumlee’s career. He has previously suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs.
He was also briefly on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s roster last season after being traded there by Charlotte, before getting waived and landing in San Antonio.
The Kings could certainly use the reinforcement. Sacramento has stumbled to a 1-10 start and has lost four straight games, most recently falling 107-100 to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Depth at center has been a concern lately. Star big man Domantas Sabonis missed Sunday’s loss to the Miami Heat due to left knee soreness, the same knee he had surgically repaired in February. Without him, the Kings have leaned on Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa to hold down the paint.
Article Continues BelowPlumlee may not be a star, but he brings size, experience and a steady presence that a struggling team could use. A former first-round pick out of Duke, he has built a reputation as a reliable screener and passer who can step into a rotation role on short notice.
Most recently, Plumlee joined the Spurs on a 10-day contract in February before signing with them for the rest of the season. In 2024-25, he appeared in 74 games for the Suns, averaging 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
Sacramento will look to snap its skid when it hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.