The Detroit Pistons initiated Andre Drummond trade talks with the New York Knicks, according to Vincent Ellis of The Detroit Free Press. The Pistons have interest in acquiring Julius Randle and Frank Ntilikina from the Knicks:
The source said it was the Pistons who initiated discussions with a package centered around Andre Drummond and another Pistons player for big man Julius Randle and guard Frank Ntilikina, a player the Pistons have previously tried to pry from the Knicks.
The Pistons are expected to trade Drummond before the February trade deadline. Drummond has a player option worth $28.8 million for the 2020-21 campaign. If he declines, the All-Star big man would become an unrestricted free agent after this season ends.
Drummond is averaging 17.8 points, 16.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 blocks per game this season for the Pistons, who are 14-25. Andre is shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 63.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Randle signed a three-year, $62.1 million contract with New York this past offseason. He’s making $18 million this season. Randle is averaging 18.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists. The lefty is shooting 44.9 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from beyond the arc and 69.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Ntilikina is a player the Pistons have had interest in before. The prevailing thought around the league is that the youngster just needs a change of scenery and a fresh start somewhere else.
Assuming they trade Drummond, Detroit could embark on a full rebuild and try and get some value for former MVP Derrick Rose, who is playing like an All-Star this season.
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