With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Cleveland Cavaliers remain determined to trade center Andre Drummond, but a contract buyout is beginning to look more likely.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Cavs are seeking an asset in return for Drummond, who is sitting out while the sides seek a resolution. Charania specifically cited a second-round pick as the type of asset for which the Cavs are looking.
Sources told FortyEightMinutes that they would take back a veteran player with a questionable or “bad” contract if they could also get a younger player with upside.
Basically, Cavs general manager Koby Altman has aimed high in attempts to move Drummond, though remaining realistic. Opposing teams seem to suspect the Cavs’ asking price will decrease as the March 25 deadline looms.
As FortyEightMinutes has reported previously, the New York Knicks are one team that has interest in a trade for Drummond. But per Charania, they too would prefer to await a buyout, and are prepared to offer him a multiyear deal should he hit the market.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are considered Drummond’s “top suitors” in the event of a contract buyout.
Drummond, 27, is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 games this season. He is on an expiring $28.7 million contract.
Others linked to Drummond include the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Along with Drummond, the Cavs (14-24) are trying to make several moves ahead of the deadline. It is believed that guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, power forward Larry Nance Jr., rookie forward Isaac Okoro and center Jarrett Allen are the only players they will be hesitant to trade.
