ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has told the NBA world that the Cleveland Cavaliers will be sitting out two-time all-star center Andre Drummond until the team can find a trade partner. This move should not come as a shock to NBA fans. After the blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets and Jarrett Allen to the Cavaliers, rumors started flying out that Drummond would be moved. Many speculated that Drummond was going to leave in the offseason as well, once his contract expired.
Drummond is having another all-star caliber season, averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds with 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks a game. Drummond has been dominant and is showing signs of revitalizing his career. His production outside of his 47 percent field goal percentage has been spectacular and is the reason why his trade value should be higher than last season.
Last season Drummond was traded from Detroit to Cleveland for a pair of second-round picks and two bench players. A trade that many called, an absolute steal for Cleveland. This time around the Cavaliers should be receiving a better haul than they had to give up for the center.
There should be about a dozen teams or more that should be giving Cleveland a call within the next week. Most teams do not have a capable center or a center that is as talented as Drummond. Teams such as the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors should show interest in the former all-star. These teams need a center, and with Drummond being on the last year of his contract means that the team does not need to invest in him long term.
Washington needs a ton of help. Drummond with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook could be fun to watch with lobs and the pick and roll. The trade will not help Washington in the long run but could make them better as a team. Boston has been looking for a defensive center who can dominate the boards. For the second straight year, their answer to the center position is available via trade. Drummond could come in immediately and help fill the center hole in Boston. Although the Celtics would have to give up a young talent for Drummond, it would help the team immensely for this season.
Brooklyn does not have the salary cap to acquire Drummond. However, they should be calling Cleveland. Drummond is much better than DeAndre Jordan and could give the team immediate defensive help. The Hornets need to find a better starting center than Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller. Adding Drummond to a team with LaMelo Ball would insinuate a lob city type of team. This move for Charlotte would help their chances in solidifying their current trajectory in reaching the playoffs.
For the Trail Blazers and Warriors, the center would be a great one year fix. Damian Lillard needs a defensive center alongside him. Enes Kanter has been filling in for an injured Jusuf Nurkic and has been great offensively. But defensively he is still a nightmare. Drummond could come in and provide that paint protection the team is severely lacking. The Warriors have injuries across the center position. Drummond coming to the Bay State could help with depth and allow more offensive opportunities for the shooters. Drummond is a terrific rebounder and is a gritty fighter on the boards. This will allow Stephen Curry to keep shooting without hesitation, as Drummond could clean up the boards.
The Bulls and Raptors are teams that should be offering the most to the Cavaliers. Outside of Boston, these two teams are in dire need of a center. The Bulls have Wendell Carter Jr, who has been good for them. However, Drummond would be an upgrade from Carter. Drummond is a better defender and rebounder than Carter. Although older, he can come in as a leader to help develop Carter.
The Raptors have been struggling to rebound the ball and controlling the pace of games. Pascal Siakam has taken a minor step back from last season. The reason for his step back is because the team does not have a defensive center to help Siakam. Without Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka, the Raptors have been struggling. Adding Drummond would be filling in the major hole that was left by Ibaka and Gasol from last season. This move could save the Raptors season, and give the team one final chance as a dark horse contender.
In the next coming days, Drummond’s true value on the market will be released. Along with more teams that will show interest. According to Windhorst the former all-star is yet again going to be on the move and will be moved before the trade deadline on March 25. Cleveland has decided to stay young, and give recent addition Allen the starting role at center.
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