As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare to move on from veteran big man Andre Drummond it appears that a buyout is an option that the team won’t consider, according NBA executives who spoke to Hoops Hype.
Drummond, 27, leads the league in rebounds per game (14.6), defensive rebound percentage (39.5), total rebound percentage (27.2), and is tied for first in defensive win shares (1.4) and is also pouring in 18.2 points per game for the Cavs this season.
Drummond’s trade market value was discussed.
“He’s a premier rebounder,” one Eastern Conference executive said, per the report. “However, on the flip side, he’s an impending free agent making $28 million. Therefore, a contender needs to send out multiple players (likely dead weight) and an asset (a second-round pick or possibly two).”
“They might be able to get a protected first-round pick because it’s an expiring contract, but matching the money on any deal for Drummond will be hard for a contending team,” another Eastern Conference executive stated. “A rebuilding team would probably have room this summer that they can use to sign him. They wouldn’t want to give up a first or any pick to get him if they are rebuilding.”
“Might only be a second-round pick, which is sad for how productive he is,” a Western Conference executive added. “Maybe in the right deal where someone was getting off money and needed another center, they could get a first-round pick.”
Despite a trade being the most likely route, it’s not a guarantee that the Cavs move on from Drummond this season.
“He’s playing great, but his contract limits the potential matches for a trade,” a Eastern Conference general manager said. “Cleveland might also hang onto him as they are playing well.”
