The Los Angeles Clippers are searching for a starting-caliber center to be a difference-maker in their roster after alternating between starter Ivica Zubac and reserve extraordinaire Montrezl Harrell.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Clippers could eye the biggest center on the trade market — Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons — before the Thursday trade deadline expires.
“My understanding from talking to sources out there is that the Clippers are pretty significantly in the market for a starting center. A big center. A true center,” said Windhorst in The Hoop Collective podcast. “They’re not sure if Ivica Zubac can get them through a series if they have to play Rudy Gobert or Nikola Jokic, so they’re looking for a starting center…
“The biggest center on the market is Andre Drummond. The Pistons have not gotten anything [substantial] for him… It would be hard to pull off because it would require multiple pieces to get Drummond — I don’t know if you can do three- or four-for-one trade? That would be a hell of a move [for the Clippers]. I think Drummond’s price has come pretty far down.”
The Pistons were linked to the Atlanta Hawks in a potential deal, but the latter soon came off that board once they traded for Jeff Teague. The Hawks reportedly were put off by Drummond's contract demands in a would-be new contract. A recent report detailing the Hawks' trade deadline plans further reinforces why they gave up on Drummond after a week of talking with the Pistons. This is, likely, where the Clippers come in.
The Clippers might have to pay a stiff price to get Drummond. Windhorst mentioned Moe Harkless, JaMychal Green, and Zubac as potential pieces to that trade, yet Detroit is hellbent in getting at least a first-round pick in return — but the Clippers are fresh off doling out five first-rounders to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George, leaving them in a precarious position to make this trade happen.
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