When the Cavaliers acquired young center Jarrett Allen from the Nets via the James Harden trade Wednesday it led to questions about the future of Andre Drummond.
Mainly, will the Cavs still hang on to the veteran center now that they’ve acquired Allen?
One opposing Eastern Conference executive doesn’t seem to think so, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“I like the deal for the Pacers and Houston,” the exec told Scotto. “Brooklyn gave up a king’s ransom. Not sure why Cleveland took on Taurean Prince as well as giving up an unprotected pick swap. Harden is the best player in the deal, but Brooklyn is all in, and they have no protection in the future. Cleveland will look to dump Andre Drummond, and Jarrett Allen has a bright future in the league.”
Drummond, 27, is five years older than Allen and has an expiring contract that will pay him around $28.8 million this season. The Cavs (5-7) like Drummond, but they don’t want to lose him for nothing in free agency. Extension talks reportedly have gone nowhere.
So given the circumstances, it would only make sense for the Cavs to look to move him.
“Drummond is definitely out of Cleveland,” one East exec told Scotto. “Cleveland wouldn’t give up a first if they didn’t want Allen long-term.”
Along with Drummond, veteran center JaVale McGee also has an expiring contract and could be moved.
You can check out my thoughts on the trade in my latest column right here on FortyEightMinutes.
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