Some NBA players will always be remembered on one team. They may have played for several organizations, but their legacy lies with one. That’s the place where they made their most significant accomplishments.
Take James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers. He’ll always be remembered as a member of the Houston Rockets.
Even if he wins a title with the Clippers, fans will remember his near-decade in Houston. During that time, Harden broke offensive records on a nearly annual basis.
Still, it’s a moot point at the moment. Harden is a Clipper, and he needs to be focused on helping the team win an NBA title.
Could the Clippers make a deal with his old team to improve their chances?
The Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land Los Angeles Clippers’ Mason Plumlee
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate
Houston Rockets receive: C Mason Plumlee
Some NBA players won’t be remembered on any one specific team. That’s not a stain on their legacy. They simply spread their accomplishments out across multiple teams.
Take the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard. Where will you remember him playing once he retires? Some will recall his time with the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard won a title with the Spurs.
Still, his exit from the team left a bad taste in some mouths. You might remember his title-winning season as a Toronto Raptor, but he only spent a single season north of the border.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets Updates
Unfortunately, by his standard, his Clippers tenure has been less memorable. Largely due to injuries, this team has struggled to find its footing. With that said, they have been playing well since acquiring Harden.
Could adding Tate help them continue on that path?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Harden didn’t start this season on the Clippers. When 2023-24 got underway, he was on the Philadelphia 76ers. In the process of trading for him, Los Angeles lost defensive wings like Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington.
Tate could be a replacement. He’s not as effective of a floor spacer as either, but he’s likely the best playmaker of the bunch. Tate is also a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. This is a useful NBA reserve.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets Updates
So is Plumlee – but he may be expendable to the Clippers. They have received strong play from Daniel Theis. It may be wise for them to diversify their roster by flipping Plumlee for a defensive wing.
Should the Rockets part with Tate?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
The Rockets don’t need a wing. They may have too many. Rookie Cameron Whitmore can’t even get on the floor for this team. Between Tate, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reggie Bullock, there’s simply no room for Whitmore.
On the other hand, this team’s big-man rotation is shallow. Alperen Sengun is entrenched as the starter – he’s looked like a star in 2023-24. Otherwise, Jock Landale has been a disappointment.
Jeff Green has had a strong season, but he’s more of a combo big than a pure center. On the other hand, Plumlee is a big man. He offers solid rim protection, and he can survive in space.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets Updates
Offensively, Plumlee’s floor vision should allow Ime Udoka to run some of the same sets that he runs with Sengun on the floor. If all goes well, we may remember Plumlee as a Rocket someday.
