As the NBA trade deadline approaches on March 25, talks are heating up between the Cleveland Cavaliers and potential suitors for center Andre Drummond.
As TGH discussed last week, Drummond has become and unfit piece in the Cavaliers puzzle since the acquisition of Jarrett Allen from Brooklyn. Despite Drummond’s reputation and being a two-time All-Star, the market for him is small.
This article will take a look into trade destinations for Drummond, along with what Cleveland can get in return.
The Toronto Raptors have been one of the first teams that have gotten in serious talks with Cleveland about Drummond. Considering what both of these teams need, this trade could be beneficial.
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The Cavaliers are in need of a young star, ready to come into the starting lineup, or come in off the bench. Specific positions that Cavs need is point guard, shooting guard and small forward. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland need some solid back-up off the bench.
As for Toronto, they’re in need of a seasoned big man, which is what Drummond could provide. Since losing Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka in the offseason, they’ve been lacking in that department.
Here are two trade scenarios that could work well for both sides:
Cavaliers receive: Pascal Siakam
Raptors receive: Andre Drummond
Or…
Cavaliers receive: Norman Powell, Patrick McCaw, OG Anunoby, 2023 2nd Round Pick
Raptors receive: Andre Drummond
These scenarios are big wins for each team. It would be hard to believe that Toronto would give up Pascal Siakam or Norman Powell with OG Anunoby but taking in the hefty contract that Drummond has would require releasing some cap space.
The Hornets are a huge surprise team this season. A large part of their success is in part because of the success from Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball.
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The Hornets have a decent big man core around Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo, but they could use an upgrade if they want to get even better.
The following trade scenario would do just that for them.
Cavaliers receive: Cody Zeller, Malik Monk and Miles Bridges
Hornets receive: Andre Drummond
This would work out well for both teams. The Hornets would be able to build a rotation around Drummond and Biyombo, while maintaining a strong core in the front-court.
As for the Cavaliers, they would be able to have Zeller come off the bench if they’d like with Larry Nance Jr. and Javale McGee.
More importantly, they’d get solid role players in Bridges and Monk, who could easily provide great help off the bench.
It’s a clear win-win for both teams.
The Boston Celtics are having another season full of struggles. Their problem is centered around injuries and consistent line-up changes.
General manager Danny Ainge was vocal early this week in taking the fault for the Celtics issues. Boston has been a favorite every year in the East since Kyrie Irving was traded to the team. Eventually, the torch was handed to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. With all the talent on the team, the Celtics can’t seem to crack the code.
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One area that’s lacking for Boston is the center position, and that’s why trading for Andre Drummond should be a priority for Ainge.
Here is a scenario the Celtics should consider offering Cleveland:
Cavaliers receive: Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye, 2023 2nd Round via Charlotte, 2024 2nd Round via Charlotte
Celtics receive: Andre Drummond
The Celtics would be making a gamble on Drummond. Considering he’s on the final year of his contract, re-signing him would be a priority for Boston in the offseason.
As for Cleveland, they would be getting a return on the second round pick they gave to Detroit in the Drummond trade last year. The return in Theis and Ojeleye could be questionable.
The outcome in this trade is least likely of the three, but it would give Cleveland valuable second-round picks, along with alleviating the costly contract from Drummond.
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