The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided to sit Andre Drummond until they find a trade suitor for him. They have committed to Jarrett Allen as their long-term answer at the center position and feel as though its best to trade the two-time NBA All-Star.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Toronto Raptors are currently engaged in trade talks with the Cavaliers about a potential deal centered around Andre Drummond.
“The Raptors and Cavaliers are engaged in active talks on a deal that would send Drummond to Toronto/Tampa, sources tell The Athletic. Discussions between the two sides have occurred in the last few days, and Drummond was pulled from the lineup in Sunday’s game against the Clippers due to “rest” with Cleveland on a back-to-back at the Clippers and the Warriors on Monday. “
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Part of the motivation behind the Cavaliers’ decision to sit Andre Drummond until he’s traded is due to his ‘attitude and play’ as of late. He appears to be wearing out his welcome in Cleveland.
“Multiple sources told The Athletic that Drummond was pulled from the lineup also in part due to his “attitude and play” recently, and sources say Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff has had multiple sit-down conversations with the big man.”
Drummond, 27, still has plenty of high-level basketball to offer and is in the midst of an impressive season. He has averaged 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists despite playing 28.9 minutes per game.
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There was recent speculation about the possibility of the Cavaliers and Andre Drummond agreeing to a potential contract buyout, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that no discussion centered around that outcome has taken place.
The Toronto Raptors face a legitimate need to upgrade at the center position. Following the departures of both Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in free agency, they have turned to Aron Baynes as a replacement and he has underwhelmed significantly.
