Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond is reportedly the latest big name on the trade block. As terrific as he has been for the Cavs this season, most pundits believe he is not a part of the team’s long-term plans.
With just a year left in his massive $127 million contract, the 27-year-old double-double machine is actually an enticing trade piece before the deadline in March. However, the remaining $28 million on his deal makes it tricky for other teams, considering they might have to give up another star in return to match the salary.
Eastern Conference teams like the Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, and the Boston Celtics could definitely use the 6-foot-10 behemoth.
In the event that Drummond stays put in Cleveland past the deadline, the possibility of a buy-out has also been discussed, with the Brooklyn Nets emerging as the most likely suitors.
While Drummond isn’t as skilled as top centers of today’s game like Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid, he brings a lot of positives to the table.
In 18 games for the Cavs this season, the UConn product is norming 18.1 points, 14.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks. It is worth noting that Drummond becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. Teams must be wary of giving up too much for his services unless they can get a commitment right off the bat.
Let’s look at three under the radar teams who can swoop in and acquire Andre Drummond before the trade deadline.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Apart from needing a true playmaker, the Clippers could also use an upgrade up front. Serge Ibaka and Ivica Zubac have been holding the fort so far in their hot start, but they need a guy like Andre Drummond to patrol the paint against some of the best centers in the West.
With Drummond manning the interior, the Clippers can finally match-up with behemoths like Anthony Davis Nikola Jokic, and Rudy Gobert. Plus, Drummond will no doubt feast underneath with all the free looks he’ll get since defenses will focus on LA’s superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
But acquiring Drummond would be easier said than done. A haul involving Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Ivica Zubac, and Terance Mann does the trick salary-wise. However, this will clearly decimate the Clips’ bench so they think twice if Andre is worth this much.
2. Dallas Mavericks
The European duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis has brought great excitement to the Big D. But their inability to sign a game-changing center over the years has hindered the team from becoming serious contenders.
The Mavs need help with rebounding and rim protection, something that the often-injured Willie Cauley-Stein cannot consistently provide. Drummond ticks all those boxes and more.
The hulking slot man is just 27 years old, so he fits the Mavs’ young core. He’s also led the league in rebounding over the last three seasons, making him a godsend for head coach Rick Carlisle’s system.
The key for Dallas in this trade is James Johnson’s expiring $16 million contract. They can add either Dwight Powell or Maxi Kleber in the deal, depending on the Cavs’ preference. The money matches either way.
However, Johnson and Kleber/Powell are not enough for Drummond’s star power, so Dallas will likely have to part ways with a future first or second-rounder to make this happen.
1. Portland Trail Blazers
Andre Drummond would be the perfect fit for a Portland team decimated by the injury bug. While the team has put their chips on Jusuf Nurkic, they do need a more reliable option in the middle.
Aside from his rebounding and interior presence, Drummond is also an underrated screen setter. This will open a lot of opportunities for superstar Damian Lillard as well as the injured CJ McCollum when he returns.
Like the two teams listed above, Portland also needs a proven big body to hang with the powerhouse teams in the West. Drummond, a two-time All-Star, will give Rip City a dominant center that they’ve been pining on for years.
They can unload Nurkic, Zach Collins, Nassir Little, and a second-round draft pick in a package. But since the numbers won’t work, the Blazers might have to come up with a complicated three-team deal to get their hands on Drummond.
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