The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired Jusuf Nurkic and a 2017 first round pick in exchange for Mason Plumlee.
Portland owns three picks in the talent-rich 2017 NBA draft, including its own, Cleveland’s and Memphis’ via the deal with Denver.
Nurkic gives the Blazers a talented offensive player who has more upside on defense.
Plumlee is a more established center whose ability to pass the ball is an ideal complement.
Portland has $130.7 million in guaranteed contracts for the 2017-18 season. Plumlee will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.