Veteran center Andre Drummond will consider five teams once his contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers is finalized, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Haynes listed those teams as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, LA Clippers and Charlotte Hornets. He also added on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” that the Brooklyn Nets could be a possibility.
Drummond and the Cavs have agreed to negotiate a buyout after the Cleveland failed to find a trade partner before Thursday’s deadline. And while the Lakers are believed to be the favorites to sign Drummond once he clears waivers, others are also in play.
“He can go to the West with the Lakers, who he has been linked to for a while, and help them shore up that spot,” Haynes said. “He has options.”
All five of the teams mentioned by Haynes were listed among the potential Drummond suitors ahead of the deadline. The Knicks were even considering a trade, presumably realizing that would be the only way to guarantee landing Drummond.
Now, they will have some competition.
As FortyEightMinutes relayed earlier this month, the Lakers are confident they can convince Drummond to join LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the defending champions for the veteran’s minimum salary. Opposing executives also seem to think the Lakers have the inside track.
Drummond, 27, is 6-foot-10 and lead the NBA in rebounding last season in a combined 57 games with the Cavs and Detroit Pistons. He is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 appearances this season.
But he hasn’t played since Feb. 12, as the Cavs opted to bench him while seeking a resolution.
By NBA rule, teams will have to wait 48 hours after a buyout for Drummond to clear waivers before signing him.
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