With just two days left before the NBA’s trade deadline, the Andre Drummond situation remains unchanged — the Cavaliers are still holding out hope that they’ll be able to recoup a second-round pick in a trade, while people around the league remain skeptical it will happen. The main roadblock is Drummond’s $28.75MM salary, which will be difficult for teams to match without giving up a rotation player.
“The hard part is he just makes so much money,” one assistant general manager told Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. “It’s hard to not include a contract you don’t want to trade.”
The Celtics, Knicks, Mavericks, and Bulls are among the teams that have kicked the tires on Drummond, and it’s possible one of those clubs – or a new suitor – will meet Cleveland’s asking price right before Thursday’s deadline. However, according to Fischer, teams like the Lakers and Nets remain confident that the Cavs will be unable to find a deal they like.
The Lakers and Nets have long been identified as the top contenders to sign Drummond if he’s bought out and reaches free agency, though it sounds like Los Angeles is viewed as the leader in that scenario.
Fischer writes that you’d be “hard-pressed” to find an executive around the NBA who doesn’t think Drummond would sign with the Lakers as a free agent. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst conveyed a similar sentiment on his latest Hoop Collective podcast.
“The league believes, and I know that’s a vague statement, but I’m saying it that way to avoid trapping myself,” Windhorst said, per RealGM. “The league believes, numerous teams I’ve talked to believe that Andre Drummond is heading for the Lakers if – slash when – he gets bought out.”
It’s worth noting that the Lakers would be limited to offering Drummond the veteran’s minimum in free agency, while the Nets and other potential suitors could go significantly higher using various mid-level or disabled player exceptions. Still, unless the 27-year-old gives up a significant chunk of what’s left on his $28.75MM salary this season, I’d expect him to prioritize his potential role and fit with a new team over a little extra money.
If Drummond goes to the Lakers then he has lost all his credibility. He said if he was bought out he would go to a team that would have him near NY. This better be fluff…
A player can’t change their mind?
I don’t have $28.9mm so a mans word means something to me. I can understand a change of direction when circmstances change, but what has changed since his declaration? I will add that the NY teams may have said they weren’t interested, and that would definitely fall under circumstances changing. I figured the Knicks would try it, but are they gonna ask Noel to sit out the minutes he’s earned on the team, probably not.
People can’t change their minds? If he gets bought out, he can go wherever he chooses. He won’t lose all his credibility.
Credibility? Is that an advanced metric? Lol
Brooklyn
If Drummond goes to LA will they start him and AD? If that’s the case YUCK!
Worry about that later AR doesn’t want to play center: and AD may not even come back and for all we know AD could tear his Achilles how many times have we seen an athlete play through it only for it to tear completely
I believe that Drummond will be bought out and join the lakers and also Gasol, Kcp, McKennie will be traded for some better players.
Go Lakers
Lakers Fan For Life!!
Bulls just trade Otto Porter and a 2nd for him.
Definitely would be worth a flyer, if they really want to get the youngsters some playoff experience. Even without a decent pg, Drummond would fill a hole in their roster. Not sure if he’s a long term fit, but who cares? No commitment necessary and yes anything you can get for OPJ is a blessing.
If you’re the Celtics and no one is meeting their price, why would you just offer a young end of bench player like Edwards and a 2nd round pick to save the Cavs from buying out his salary? And just know it’s a half year rental. Seems like a better solution for both teams vs a buyout
Cuz Danny Ainge has to hoard more draft picks so he can draft more guys who can’t play…
He’s going to turn down $29M for $15M? Cleveland might not be great, but I’d stick it out for 2 months for fourteen million dollars.
The NBA is a joke. How do they allow these superstars to jump to Lakers ??? The remaining teams never have a chance. This has been going on since the days of Wilt Chamberlain.
Andre Drummond isnt even that good…