The expiring contract of Andre Drummond is the biggest factor determining his trade value, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN, as the Cleveland Cavaliers are shutting down the veteran center until they can strike a deal.
Drummond is due to make $28.7 million this season.
That means the Cavs will have to take back $23 million worth of contracts in a Drummond trade, and that effort “is a big obstacle right now,” Marks noted.
That said, plenty of teams have a high interest in Drummond, who led the NBA in rebounding last season and is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds this year. The list supposedly includes the Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.
Sources told FortyEightMinutes that Drummond became unhappy with his decreased minutes after the Cavs traded for young center Jarrett Allen, formerly of the Nets.
“Here’s the big question I have when it comes to Andre Drummond,” Marks tweeted. “What happens at 3:01 p.m. on March 25 (trade deadline) when he hasn’t been traded and has been shut down for five weeks? Could be a difference-maker if there’s a buyout down the road.”
Drummond and Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff reportedly have had multiple conversations about Drummond’s approach and effort in recent weeks.
Cavs general manager Koby Altman and Drummond’s camp agreed for Drummond to remain with the team, but not play, until a trade can be made.
