The San Antonio Spurs added an extra body before NBA action returns following the All-Star break.
San Antonio already has four centers on their roster — Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo — but with the season entering its final stretch of games and the players feeling the rigors of the long campaign, the team decided to bring in Mason Plumlee.
Advertisement
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Plumlee is signing a 10-day contract with the Spurs.
Plumlee played for the Charlotte Hornets this season, albeit appearing in just 14 games and averaging 1.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 8.9 minutes of action per contest.
Former Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (22) tries to make a play.Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
The 35-year-old center was involved in the Hornets’ three-team trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls prior to the trade deadline. He was sent to the Thunder in the deal that brought Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to the Hornets.
Advertisement
Chicago received Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng and three second-round picks in the transaction.
However, Plumlee was eventually waived by the Thunder, making him a free agent.
It remains to be seen how big a role Plumlee will have on the team, but he should be a reliable option for the Spurs as they try to manage player load over the next few games.
Plumlee has career averages of 7.9 points on 59.6% shooting, along with 6.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals per game. This 2025-26 season marks his 13th year in the NBA. He has previously played for the Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
Advertisement
In 2024-25, when he had a prominent role with the Suns — playing in 74 games, including 21 starts — he put up 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He also averaged 17.6 minutes per game that campaign.
The Spurs return to action on Thursday against the Suns. In the next 10 days, which is the duration of Plumlee’s deal, the team will also face the Sacramento Kings, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.
Should Plumlee impress, it’s not hard to see him earning another 10-day deal or a standard regular-season contract.
Advertisement
The Spurs are 38-16 on the season, good for second in the Western Conference standings. They have also won six straight games, putting them well in position to finish the campaign on a high note.
Related: Victor Wembanyama’s Change in Physical Appearance Leaves NBA World in Disbelief
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.