The Cleveland Cavaliers are prepared to trade Andre Drummond. The 27-year-old big man will sit games out until a new destination is found for him. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Cavs are not in serious talks with any teams as of right now. However, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium is saying that the Raptors are engaged in active talks regarding Drummond.
Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman discussed the move with Drummond and his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, and decided together that Drummond would remain with the team, but would no longer be active for games, sources said. https://t.co/MTBjXh8fvP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021
The Cavaliers, whether engaged in talks or not, will not be playing Drummond as they transition to Jarrett Allen for their long-term center. Allen was recently acquired during the blockbuster James Harden trade. Drummond spent the first part of his career playing for the Detroit Pistons who drafted him in 2012 with the 9th overall pick in the draft. He was traded to Cleveland last season.
His career averages of 14.6 points, 13.8 rebounds, along with 1.5 blocks per game have made Drummond one of the more productive big men since he entered the league. He has led the NBA in rebounds four times in his career and was selected twice as an All-Star. This season he is averaging 17.5 points a game with 13.5 rebounds. There will be interest for his services, especially from teams looking to make a run in the Playoffs. The trade deadline is March 25.
His agent Jeff Schwarts of Excel Basketball told ESPN this on the matter:
“Whichever direction this goes, Andre is 27, in his prime, and I believe strongly that he has a great deal to add to a team building toward a postseason run.”
Clearly, Drummond’s camp feels that he will find a destination that he can fit into and help make a postseason run. His offensive skills have improved and almost 14 rebounds a game is valuable to any team. Will it be the Raptors? Will the rich get richer, such as the Lakers, Nets, or another title favorite? The Drummond trade could add quite a piece to an organization looking to bolster its frontcourt.
