If Andre Drummond and LaMarcus Aldridge receive buyouts rather than being traded, the Lakers and Heat are widely viewed as the respective frontrunners to sign them. Adrian Wojnarowski essentially confirmed that point during today’s Woj & Lowe Trade Deadline Special on ESPN, though he noted that both big men would have plenty of options on the buyout market.
The Nets, Clippers, Celtics, and Mavericks would have interest in Drummond, according to Wojnarowski. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Zach Lowe said he expects the Hornets to pursue Aldridge if he hits waivers.
The ability to compete for a championship would be a top priority for both veteran bigs, according to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (Twitter links), who hears that a championship ring would be “the driving force” for Aldridge. As for Drummond, while the Mavs would have interest, they expect he’d hunt for a ring with Brooklyn or one of the L.A. teams, says Townsend.
Here are a few more notable tidbits from the Woj & Lowe Trade Deadline Special that aired on ESPN this afternoon:
- The Trail Blazers have been “very active” in trade discussions, according to Wojnarowski, who pointed to Norman Powell and Victor Oladipo as players who could appeal to Portland.
- Wojnarowski gets the sense that the Rockets will be able to land a mid first-round pick in exchange for Oladipo. However, Woj downplayed New York’s interest in the veteran guard: “I don’t sense the interest in a future partnership with Oladipo is significant with the Knicks.”
- The Jazz could be a dark-horse suitor for Pelicans guard J.J. Redick in the event of a buyout, says Wojnarowski. Still, the Nets are viewed as the probable frontrunner in that scenario, since Redick’s family is based in Brooklyn. “Geography may play a big part in this,” Woj said.
- The Hornets had been scouring the market for a frontcourt upgrade, but may “retreat” a little following LaMelo Ball‘s wrist injury, per Wojnarowski.
McCollum
Mc what? Wtf u talkin about fool
McCollum has $130 million contract remaining
Wall has $133 million contract remaining
Good match？
McCollum for Augustin and Oladipo
Sounds great to me but I don’t imagine Portland wants to give up McCollum to get Oladipo unless the Rockets throw in a couple of first round picks or more.
Blazers wouldn’t even consider it.
“a championship ring would be “the driving force” for Aldridge”
These guys are multi-millionaires, why don’t they just buy a ring and call it a championship ring. It would be just as truthful as accepting a championship ring from a team they attached themselves to like a barnacle.
At this point, I hope this buy-out market “jumps the shark,” with Drummond, Aldridge, Lowry, Redick, and Oladipo all receiving buy-outs (yeah, I know), all going to the same team for the remainder of the season (Nets or Lakers), and winning the championship.
Lowry and Oladipo both have trade value, unlike the other 3.
……. yeah, I know.
Also, Redick should have some trade value, even if it’s a 2nd round pick and matching money/TPE.
Drummond will be a Net.
Just give everyone to the nets and Call it a day. Zzzzz
So much trade talk and the only trades recently have been Ariza to Miami & Tucker to the bucks. Either make the trades or quit wasting time!
Negotiations and FO talks amongst each other are wasting your time. And your time is valuable. Going to court could compensate you for your lost time and wages.
The Blazers are definitely not looking to take back Victor Oladipo or Norman Powell. If that rumor has any bearing, I feel sorry for the rockets and raps for taking Rodney Hood and Zach Collins back in a trade. Must not of had good offers from anyone else!
Clippers should pickup, Rivers, Redick, Drummond at buyout market. Trade for Rivers could be easier. Get all three players. Keep Drummond away from Lakers and contenders. That’s how you guarantee success lols. MLB style …….
drummond would pick his preferred team if he’s bought out… clippers can’t control that…
Gee thanks Einstein …….
Drummond to the lakers is what i want to hear Thursday . After that bring in some shooters and another point guard!!!