The Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors are in “active” talks on a trade involving center Andre Drummond, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
More opposing teams than just the Raptors are interested in Drummond, however, and the Cavs are determined to find the best deal, sources told FortyEightMinutes.
Also, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst reported, the Cavs no longer intend to play Drummond as they work on a trade. Drummond sat out Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers for “rest,” despite playing just 17 minutes in the previous game.
Cavs general manager Koby Altman and Drummond’s camp reached agreement that Drummond will remain with the team, but not play.
“The Cavaliers are moving Drummond to make Jarrett Allen the franchise’s long-term starting center and believe it’s unfair to Drummond to limit his minutes as the organization transitions to Allen,” ESPN reported.
Allen was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets last month, and since then, the rumors have started to take off about Drummond, who is in the final year of a contract that is paying him $28.7 million this season.
Sources told FortyEightMinutes that Drummond is unsatisfied with the number of minutes he’s been receiving since the Allen trade.
Drummond and Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff have had multiple conversations lately about Drummond’s “attitude and play,” Charania reported. So it probably is indeed in everyone’s best interest that Allen take over as the Cavs’ starting center, with JaVale McGee moving back into his role as hustling, veteran backup.
Along with the Raptors, the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Clippers and Nets have been listed as among the Drummond suitors.
Another team to watch would be the New York Knicks, who are looking to move forward Kevin Knox.
The Cavs (10-18) have lost seven straight and visit the Golden State Warriors on Monday.
