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The NBA trade deadline is near but not without a blockbuster trade.
Andre Drummond has been centered around trade rumors for weeks and the Detroit Pistons finally pulled the trigger on a trade involving the two-time All-Star center. According to Kevin O’Conner of The Ringer, the Pistons have traded Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Brandon Knight, John Henson and a second-round draft pick.
Drummond is an established big man widely regarded as the best rebounder in the game today. The 26-year-old has already won three rebounding titles and was a member of the All-NBA Third Team during the 2015-16 season.
The 6-foot-10 big had been a member of the Pistons since he was drafted back in 2012. While Drummond remained productive during the 2019-20 season — he’s averaging 17.8 points and a league-leading 15.8 rebounds per game — it had become abundantly clear that Detroit was heading nowhere.
The Pistons are currently 19-34 and four games out of the final spot in the Eastern Conference. In Drummond’s seven full seasons in Detroit, the Pistons had made the playoffs just twice — and were eliminated in the first round both times without winning a single playoff game.
In other words, it became readily clear that it was time for Detroit to move on from Drummond.
Drummond can become a free agent this offseason if he chooses to decline his player option for the 2020-21 season, which is worth $28.8 million.
As far as the Cavaliers are concerned, they now have a logjam at the big man positions. Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson currently remain on the roster. It appears as if Love will remain while the Cavaliers while there is some chatter regarding Thompson being possibly bought out by Cleveland.
Drummond Blasts Pistons for Not Giving Him Notice Prior to Trade
As mentioned earlier, Drummond had been a member of the Pistons for the past seven seasons. He established himself as one of the best big men in the game, winning numerous honors while also posting ridiculous rebounding numbers.
Despite all of that effort and sacrifice, apparently Detroit didn’t feel like they had to give Drummond any notice prior to trading their longest-tenured player to the Cavaliers. The veteran big man blasted the team over Twitter for not giving him any notice prior to the trade.
“If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty. I’ve given my heart and soul to the Pistons , and to be have this happen with no heads up makes me realize even more that this is just a business! I love you Detroit…”
Drummond ends his Pistons career as the all-time leader in offensive rebounds and second all-time in total rebounds.
Cavs To Potentially Buy Out Thompson?
As reported by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Heavy, the Cavaliers could possibly buy out Thompson. According to Robinson, Cleveland and Thompson’s agent are discussing a possible buyout that would enable the veteran to sign with an NBA contender.
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are reportedly interested.
If Thompson is able to sign with a team before March 1, he’d be eligible to play in the playoffs with his new team.
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