The Cleveland Cavaliers failed to make an Andre Drummond trade ahead of Thursday’s deadline and will now focus on a contract buyout with the veteran center, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Multiple teams expressed interest in Drummond, but per FortyEightMinutes sources, the Cavs were unable or unwilling to find salaries that would match Drummond’s expiring deal, worth nearly $29 million.
The Cavs were believed to be seeking a draft pick and matching salary in exchange for Drummond.
Drummond has been sitting on the sideline while the Cavs attempted to reach a resolution. The Los Angeles Lakers are widely considered the favorite to sign Drummond once he clears waivers.
The Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and several others had been linked to Drummond ahead of the deadline.
The Cavs did pull off one trade Thursday, sending reserve center JaVale McGee to the Denver Nuggets for center Isaiah Hartenstein and two second-round picks (2023 and 2027).
Drummond, 27, led the NBA in rebounding last season, and is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds this year.
