At the trade deadline last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to strike a deal with the Detroit Pistons for All-Star center Andre Drummond. They essentially traded away two non-factor players and a 2023 second-round pick for Drummond, but after getting Jarrett Allen as part of the James Harden to Brooklyn deal in January, the Cavaliers did not have a need for the NBA All-Star center anymore. 

As a result, the two sides worked towards a buyout agreement after Cleveland could not find a trade suitor for Drummond at this year’s NBA trade deadline. Soon after Andre Drummond became a free agent, the Los Angeles Lakers aggressively pursued him and as a result, were able to sign him for the remainder of the season. 

Drummond’s debut with the Lakers was short-lived though as 14 minutes into his debut, he came out of the game with an unknown foot injury and it was specified later on that Drummond was dealing with a toe injury. Fully healthy, he is going to make a big impact with the defending champs, especially when Anthony Davis and LeBron James both return to the court as well. 

RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Who could pull off ‘kings ransom’ offseason trade for Bradley Beal?

The Los Angeles Lakers are still very much in the championship conversation in the Western Conference, even though they have slipped in the standings over the last several weeks. When LeBron James and Anthony Davis return to the court with newly acquired Andre Drummond, the Lakers are going to be a tough team to guard because of their strength and physicality in the paint. 

Long-term though, Andre Drummond’s future is very unknown. He will almost definitely look for a long-term, high-paying contract in NBA free agency this season and he has earned a solid contract, but are the Lakers the team that will offer it to him? This makes him an intriguing name to watch in NBA rumors as free agency approaches.

Let’s take a look at three teams who could sign Andre Drummond away from the Los Angeles Lakers this summer in NBA free agency.