Charlotte Acquired Center Mason Plumlee and JT Thor Rights
On August 6, 2021, Charlotte acquired veteran center Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to Auburn forward J.T. Thor from Detroit. The Pistons received the rights to Serbian center Balsa Koprivica, chosen late in the second round. Charlotte needed an experienced screening and passing center after a season of rotation changes, and Plumlee had started much of the preceding season in Detroit. The deal also brought Charlotte another young forward prospect, not only the veteran contract. Detroit was adjusting its frontcourt around younger players and accepted a different second-round developmental right. The Bobcats/Hornets franchise and Detroit transaction ledgers both identify the unusual combination of an active NBA center and two drafted prospect rights. No first-round selection was involved.
Plumlee Became a Regular Starting Hornets Center
Plumlee started 73 Charlotte games in 2021-22, averaging 6.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He helped move the ball from the high post and rebound for a team emphasizing speed around LaMelo Ball. The following season he remained productive until the franchise traded him to the Clippers at the 2023 deadline. He was never expected to become the Hornets’ leading scorer, but his starting experience and passing gave a younger lineup more offensive structure. Charlotte’s B inherited grade reflects more than a temporary minimum-contract backup: the team obtained a reliable starting center who played consistent minutes. Thor developed separately as a young forward, offering another chance at a long-term roster contributor. The total Charlotte return included two distinct players with different timelines.
Detroit Obtained an Unproven International Prospect Right
Koprivica was a 2021 second-round selection who had played at Florida State and later pursued professional opportunities outside the NBA. Detroit received his rights, but no immediate veteran center minutes in return from Charlotte. Its inherited C+ grade can recognize the right to develop or move the prospect, along with the ability to adjust the center rotation around its rebuilding priorities. It should not pretend Koprivica started a full Pistons NBA season after the exchange, because he did not establish such a tenure. Charlotte’s stronger direct return was Plumlee’s immediate 73 starts and years of supporting center work, while Detroit accepted speculative future options. The transaction became a useful low-cost means of obtaining real center play for Charlotte without losing a premium draft pick.
Final Verdict
Charlotte Win. The Hornets earn B after receiving Mason Plumlee, who made 73 starts with 7.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 2021-22, along with J.T. Thor rights. Detroit receives C+ for Balsa Koprivica rights, an international/developmental asset that did not immediately produce Pistons NBA center minutes.