NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs, Raptors discussing trade for Andre Drummond

NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs, Raptors discussing an Andre Drummond trade?

Heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, it’s widely expected that the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be active in trade talks. They have a crowded frontcourt and it’s expected that they’re going to make a move or two. Teams in search of a quality frontcourt rotation player would be wise to engage in talks with the Cavs. One team that has reportedly already discussed a trade with the Cavs is the Toronto Raptors.

According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Cavs and Raptors are engaged in talks regarding Andre Drummond. Although, another report suggests that a deal isn’t close between the Cavs and any team.

It’s certainly trade season. Conflicting reports aren’t surprising by any means this close to the trade deadline, but if anything is clear it’s that Drummond is certainly a name to keep an eye on heading into the deadline.

There will likely be a number of teams interested in him, even if it is just as a rental. Even though there’s a good chance that he gets traded at the deadline, it will ultimately come down to what Cleveland’s asking price would be.

Cleveland will likely be asking for a first-round pick or a young player in exchange for Drummond. I’d be shocked if they could get that, but it’s certainly a smart starting point from a negotiation standpoint.

Drummond is averaging 18 points, 14 points, and three assists per game on 47 percent shooting from the field. Drummond might be the best big on the open market heading into trade season (not counting John Collins), and if the Raptors are looking for a starting-caliber center there might not be a better option.

A last interesting note is that if the Raptors are interested in adding a big man such as Drummond suggests that perhaps the team isn’t ready to be a seller at the trade deadline. Are the Raptors tipping their hand on what they plan to do with Kyle Lowry?