The New York Knicks have gotten bit by the injury bug in recent weeks. Starting center Mitchell Robinson fractured his hand and will be missing at least 4-6 total weeks. Taj Gibson, who was inserted into the rotation, as a result, is now also injured with a sprained ankle. Now would be the time for the Knicks to trade for a center and Andre Drummond is emerging as a target.
Those injuries leaves Nerlens Noel as the only healthy center on the roster. He has been wonderful filling in for Robinson, as the team’s defense has not faltered in his absence. Noel controls the paint well with his rebounding and shot-blocking, much in the way that Robinson was.
However, with Gibson now joining Robinson on the sidelines, the Knicks’ hands may be forced when it comes to trading for a center. Tom Thibodeau has been hesitant to adjust his rotation and move Julius Randle or Obi Toppin over to the center spot. If that continues, they will have to add another big man to the mix.
One player to keep an eye on is Andre Drummond of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Drummond has not played since February 13th as he and the team agreed he would remain away from the team until a resolution about his playing future. A trade or buyout will occur eventually, and it sounds as if the Knicks are the frontrunners to land him in a trade, according to Sam Amico of FortyEightMinutes.com.
“As for Drummond, there is no shortage of interest,” Amico wrote. “He has been linked to the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. And now the [Chicago] Bulls.”
“According to one league source, the Knicks are the ‘frontrunner’ for Drummond.”
Cleveland is waiting things out on the trade front when it comes to Drummond, as they are in no rush to make a move. Given the robust market he has, waiting is a smart decision as one team could get antsy and up their offer to acquire him.
The Cavaliers know they won’t receive much more than a second-round pick for Drummond, and that should be all the Knicks offer. Robinson and Gibson do not have season-ending injuries and will eventually return. They need more of a stop-gap to pair with Noel, not someone looking for a full-time role to improve his value heading into free agency.
Andre Drummond puts up some monster statistics and would give the Knicks the low-post scoring option they lack. However, would he accept a part-time role on the second unit, splitting minutes with Noel, once Robinson returns?
That is something the Knicks will have to look into. They have done a great job building chemistry and continuity thus far this season. Adding someone that may not fully buy-in would be a detriment they cannot afford.
