Toronto Raptors Receive: C Andre Drummond

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Norman Powell, C Aron Baynes, G Patrick McCaw, G Matt Thomas, TOR 2021 1st Round Pick

If this trade was to happen and the Raptors were able to acquire Drummond, it would likely be a multi-team deal since the Cavaliers would not want to receive all four players back in this deal. There could also be some scenarios where some of the players traded could be immediately bought out and become free agents. 

Overall though, the Cleveland Cavaliers would be getting great value for Drummond in this trade compared to what they gave up to acquire him last season. After having close to minimal value, the All-Star big man has worked his way back near the top of the list in terms of best centers in the league and he has done it by being a beast on the glass and in the paint. 

So far this year, Drummond is averaging 18.6 points, 14.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and is shooting 47.7% from the floor in 22 games. The Raptors desperately need another reliable frontcourt player next to Siakam and since they rank 28th in rebounding, Andre Drummond makes a lot of sense for them. 

Toronto absolutely loves the production they get from Norman Powell, but he would have to be involved in this trade to acquire Andre Drummond, otherwise the cap space and financials of the trade would not even out. It would have to be either Powell or Lowry being traded and it seems more reasonable that the Raptors would trade Powell before their beloved point guard. 

Aron Baynes and Patrick McCaw do not bring much value to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as those are two players who could be shipped somewhere else as a result of a multi-team deal for Drummond to go to Toronto, but Matt Thomas could be a guy they would keep. 

Thomas is 26-years old and is utilized in Toronto for his catch-and-shoot abilities. He is in his second season now and since he entered the league, he has shot 47.5% from three-point range. It is a small sample size, but the Cavs could really use another perimeter shooter off their bench. 

The Toronto Raptors would have to give up a lot in order to get Andre Drummond and if they were to execute this trade, they would make sure they had a commitment from Drummond that he would stay long-term. It makes no sense for the Raptors to invest a first-round pick and a guy like Norman Powell for a couple months of Drummond. 

Now, after discussing some of the pieces involved in this trade, let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors.