Spurs Add Veteran Depth with Mason Plumlee’s 10-Day Contract
The San Antonio Spurs have officially signed veteran center Mason Plumlee to a 10-day contract, aiming to bolster their frontcourt depth. This move comes after the team released Jeremy Sochan last week, creating a roster spot.
A Seasoned Large Man Joins the Ranks
At 35 years old, Plumlee brings 13 years of NBA experience to San Antonio. He began the current season with the Charlotte Hornets, appearing in 14 games and averaging 1.9 points and 2.9 rebounds. His most recent game action was on December 22nd against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Free agent center Mason Plumlee is signing a 10-day contract with the San Antonio Spurs, Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Plumlee started his 13th NBA season in Charlotte and now joins the Spurs for the second half. pic.twitter.com/4L0K0r2DEL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2026
Prior to signing with the Spurs, Plumlee was traded from Charlotte to Oklahoma City as part of a three-team deal and subsequently waived by the Thunder. Throughout his career, he has averaged 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
Complementary Piece for the Spurs’ Frontcourt
The signing echoes a strategy San Antonio employed last season with Bismack Biyombo. However, the current situation is less urgent, with Victor Wembanyama healthy and Luke Kornet available. Plumlee provides additional emergency depth alongside Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk.
The Spurs now have five centers on their roster: Wembanyama, Kornet, Olynyk, Biyombo, and Plumlee. Plumlee is noted for his court vision and basketball IQ, averaging 2.4 assists per game over his career. He excels in quick reads on inbound plays and in short-game situations.
San Antonio has the option to offer Plumlee a full contract once his 10-day deal expires, depending on their needs and playoff aspirations.
The Rise of the 10-Day Contract in the NBA
The 10-day contract has grow an increasingly important tool for NBA teams, particularly as the season progresses and injuries mount. It allows teams to quickly address roster needs without long-term commitments. This is especially valuable for teams like the Spurs, who are navigating a rebuilding phase whereas also aiming to remain competitive.
Strategic Roster Management
Teams often apply 10-day contracts to evaluate players for potential future roles or to provide experienced depth during crucial stretches of the season. It’s a low-risk, high-reward strategy that can pay dividends if a player performs well.
Impact on Player Opportunities
For players like Mason Plumlee, the 10-day contract represents a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a longer-term deal. It’s a chance to prove themselves in a competitive environment and stay in the league.
FAQ
Q: What is a 10-day contract in the NBA?
A: A 10-day contract allows a team to sign a player for a period of 10 days. It’s a short-term agreement used to address immediate roster needs.
Q: Can a team re-sign a player after their 10-day contract expires?
A: Yes, a team can sign a player to another 10-day contract, up to a maximum of two such contracts. After that, the team must sign the player to a longer-term deal or release them.
Q: Why did the Spurs sign Mason Plumlee?
A: The Spurs signed Plumlee to add depth to their frontcourt after releasing Jeremy Sochan.
Q: What are Mason Plumlee’s career averages?
A: Plumlee has career averages of 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
Did you realize? The 10-day contract rule was implemented to provide opportunities for players outside of the NBA to demonstrate their abilities and potentially earn a spot on a roster.
Explore more about the San Antonio Spurs and their roster moves here.
