The Denver Nuggets have traded center Jusuf Nurkic and a first-round draft pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Mason Plumlee, a second-round pick and cash considerations, the teams announced Monday.

The trade gives the Blazers potentially three first-round picks in this year's draft. The pick going from Denver to Portland is Memphis' 2017 pick, which is only top-five protected.

"We are pleased to add a young center with Jusuf's talent and potential to our roster and excited by the prospect of three first-round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft," Blazers president of basketball operations Neil Olshey said. "We also want to thank Mason for his many contributions to the organization these past two seasons. His presence will be missed and we wish him all the best for the future."

The Blazers acquire Nurkic, 22, a bruising big man who is averaging 8.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season. He began the season as a starter but has been backing up Nikola Jokic, whom the Nuggets have decided is their center of the future. Concerns about Jokic and Nurkic meshing pushed the Nuggets into looking for a new home for Nurkic in recent weeks, sources told ESPN's Jeff Goodman.

Plumlee, who has started 54 games for the Blazers this season, is averaging career highs of 11.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He is scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer after not coming to terms on a contract extension last fall.

Nurkic confirmed he was headed to Portland in an Instagram post 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

The Blazers were facing heavy luxury taxes next year if they planned to re-sign Plumlee. Nurkic is under contract for next season at just $2.9 million.

The 6-foot-11 Plumlee, 26, was drafted by the Nets (22nd overall in 2013) and then traded in 2015 with Pat Connaughton to the Blazers for Steve Blake and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

The second-round pick going to Denver is a 2018 pick.

The Nuggets are currently holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the West, one game ahead of the Blazers.