Opposing executives are fully expecting a contract buyout for Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond, and then for Drummond to end up with the Los Angeles Lakers, per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
The Cavs are trying to trade Drummond before Thursday’s deadline, but so far, have found nothing close to a taker.
Word is, the Lakers are confident Drummond will sign on should a buyout be the next step.
“The hard part is he just makes so much money,” Fischer quoted an opposing assistant general manager as saying. “It’s hard to not include a contract you don’t want to trade.”
Drummond is on an expiring contract worth about $29 million. He has been linked to multiple teams, including the Lakers. The Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets have also been mentioned as those with an interest.
He has been sitting out while the Cavs attempt to reach a resolution, either via trade or buyout.
Fischer reported that most NBA executives believe a buyout is highly likely the most realistic scenario, echoing comments recently made by ESPN insider Brian Windhorst.
“The league believes, and I know that’s a vague statement, but I’m saying it that way to avoid trapping myself,” Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast. “The league believes, numerous teams I’ve talked to believe that Andre Drummond is heading for the Lakers if – slash when – he gets bought out.”
In the event of a contract buyout, teams would have to wait 48 hours for Drummond to clear waivers before signing him. The Lakers would only be able to offer him a veteran’s minimum contract.
As FortyEightMinutes previously reported, Drummond became dissatisfied with his minutes following the Cavs’ trade for fellow center Jarrett Allen.
That led to multiple conversations between Drummond and Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, and ultimately, Drummond’s benching.
“Before the Cavs decided to bench Drummond until they could trade him, they asked him multiple times to accept playing fewer minutes, with Jarrett Allen on the roster, and even asked him to come off the bench,” The Athletic reported. “He refused, and there are teams that otherwise would be interested in considering a trade for him that are aware of such issues.”
