An update on Andre Drummond, a Cleveland Cavaliers’ asking price, and is there a trade market?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to be one of the busiest teams in the week and a half leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, as they have several veteran players on their roster that they could end up moving.
One player that has garnered several headlines over the last few weeks is Andre Drummond, whose fate with the team has been pretty much set since Cleveland acquired Jarrett Allen, the future at the center position, in January.
According to a report from The Athletic (subscription required), there’s no guarantee that the Cavs are going to be able to find a trade partner for Drummond.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
The Cavs are reportedly seeking anything they could get and would even entertain a second-round pick. Though, sounds like teams are playing the waiting game in hopes of no trade market developing.
That would open the door to teams potentially getting Drummond via the buyout market, which would be less costly overall.
If Drummond would work a buyout and hit the free agency market, there are expected to be several teams interested – among others, the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets have been named.
Drummond is having a good season by statistical standards, averaging 18 points and 14 rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field. He’s a good glass-cleaner and one of if not the best rebounder in the league.
But his shortcomings arrive on the defensive end, where he struggles to match up with quicker and more agile centers and power forwards (especially when teams play small-ball). Especially on a contender, Drummond’s effectiveness and usefulness become in question.
Thus, the reluctantness from teams to move a tangible asset for Drummond. Even more so considering that he’s going to be a rental for most teams.
Will a market for Drummond grow or shrink over the next week and a half? The Cleveland Cavaliers would love to gain an asset for the gamble they made for Drummond at the NBA Trade Deadline last season. But there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to accomplish that. Which could ultimately lead to Andre Drummond being bought out and choosing the team he wants on the open market.