The Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers are in “active talks” on a deal that would send Andre Drummond to the Raptors, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Drummond didn't play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night due to “rest,” but Charania also reports the big man was pulled due to “attitude and play.” Drummond and Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff have had multiple conversations of late about the situation, and ESPN says Cleveland plans to sit the center until he's traded.
The 27-year-old Drummond has a $28.75 million expiring contract. The Cavs acquired Jarrett Allen in the James Harden trade, and Allen is the center of the future for the franchise.
As for the Raptors, Drummond has been on their radar for a bit. They're in desperate need for help in the froncourt after losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in free agency. Toronto tried to replace Ibaka and Gasol with Aron Baynes and Alex Len, but Baynes has struggled as the starting center and Len is now with the Washington Wizards after getting waived.
Drummond's large expiring deal makes a trade to the Raptors a bit more complicated. Charania notes “it could involve multiple other teams” and “could take a while to come together.” It doesn't seem as if anything is imminent, but this is certainly a situation to monitor.
The Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks are also keeping an eye on the Andre Drummond situation for a potential buyout, but a buyout isn't the Cavs' desire. Cleveland will try to get something back for the two-time All-Star before the March 25 trade deadline.
Drummond is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 28.9 minutes per game this season.
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