Over the summer it became priority for the Detroit Pistons to retain franchise big man Andre Drummond with a contract extension. Offering Drummond a maximum deal has also been discussed, a scenario that would only play out if Drummond held off on signing an extension and signed a new deal with the Pistons as a free agent next summer.
That’s exactly what Drummond has decided to do.
Following from Keith Langlois of Pistons.com:
Andre Drummond wants to delay contract talks until next summer, SVG says
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) October 20, 2015
SVG says key to decision is Drummond’s relationship with and trust in #Pistons owner Tom Gores
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) October 20, 2015
Drummond will be a restricted free agent next summer. A max contract is projected to be worth about $120 million, but Drummond’s decision doesn’t just help him in the long run, it also helps the Pistons.
SVG said the additional cap space created by Drummond’s decision is $12.7 million
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) October 20, 2015
As a free agent, Drummond’s cap hold will be just above $8 million, whereas if he signed an extension, his cap number would be his 2016-17 salary, around $21 million. Holding off to become a free agent next summer will help save the Pistons save money that can be used to sign other players, and Drummond will be able to re-sign for as much as the extension.
SVG on @AndreDrummondd: “Andre wants to be here long term. He … wants us to have the flexibility to continue to add people to this team.”
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) October 20, 2015
SVG on @AndreDrummondd‘s decision to wait so #Pistons get more space: “Every player says I’m all about winning. This guy’s proving (it).”
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) October 20, 2015
Since Drummond’s free agency will be restricted, Detroit can match any offer sheets for him next summer. At the moment, Drummond doesn’t seem to have any intent of leaving. The Pistons could extend a maximum qualifying offer, which would keep Drummond from being able to sign an offer sheet with anyone else for no less than three seasons. Both sides are basically operating out of good faith, and both should come out satisfied long-term.
