Report: Nuggets trade Jusuf Nurkic to Portland for Mason Plumlee

The Denver Nuggets agreed to swapping former first-round draft picks with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, according reports, trading Jusuf Nurkic for Mason Plumlee.

Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical first reported the trade, which will send Nurkic and a 2017 first-round pick (via Memphis) to Portland in exchange for Plumlee and a 2018 second-rounder.

Portland sends Mason Plumlee a 2018 second round pick for Nurkic and a 2017 first-rounder (via Memphis), league sources tell @TheVertical

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 12, 2017

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The 22-year-old Nurkic, whom the Nuggets selected No. 16 overall in the 2014 NBA draft, has averaged 8.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.

But the third-year pro had seen a reduced role in Denver with the recent development of center Nikola Jokic, whom NBA analyst and writer Chris Mannix recently told 104.3 The Fan could become a perennial all-star if his recent upward trend continues.

“I mean, if this trend continues — and I think you can make an argument that Jokic in the NBA is a top 30-35 player — you will see him in all-star games for years to come,” Mannix said.

Nurkic, via Instagram, thanked the Nuggets, his teammates, and fans on Sunday.

Thanks to the opportunities you have given me in the Denver Nuggets. Former teammates, fans and the club I wish all the best. Now its time for new challenges!  #RipCity

A photo posted by Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) on Feb 12, 2017 at 11:57am PST

In his fourth season, Plumlee has averages career highs in points (11.0), blocks (1.2), assists (4.0), and rebounds (8.0).

Plumlee, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to Portland last season, is in the final season of his rookie contract, and the Nuggets will retain his restricted free agent rights.

This allows Denver to match any offer next season, which Denver Post NBA writer Chris Dempsey anticipates would happen if it gets to that point.

The #Nuggets have the right to match any offer, and would. But expect them to re-sign him straight away.

— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) February 12, 2017

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.