After buyout, Drummond’s list of considerations includes NY
NEW YORK — Andre Drummond was officially bought out and has the Knicks on his short list.
The former All-Star is considering the Celtics, Lakers and Knicks, according to the LA Times, and could make a decision this weekend. The Knicks, sources said, are certainly interested and hold the advantage of more cap space than the other suitors.
With roughly $14 million available, they can sell the security of a long-term contract. The Lakers, on the other hand, can only offer the minimum but have a natural fit on a title contender.
Their current starting center is Marc Gasol, who is 36 and recently missed nine straight games while battling COVID-19. He is
averaging just 4.3 points and four rebounds in 19.8 minutes.
Drummond, 27, averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds for the Cavaliers before the remaining one year and $29 million was bought out. But a reputation of being a stat stuffer on bad teams has followed his career.
The Celtics are underachieving this season but
have a higher ceiling than the Knicks with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They also need a center because Tristan Thompson has been a disappointment.
The Knicks are more of an awkward match with Drummond, a former UConn star from Middletown. They have a young starting center, Mitchell Robinson, who has been hailed as a future cornerstone but is limited offensively. Drummond is a talent upgrade, but there are concerns about his presence stifling Julius Randle’s game.
Drummond is listening to pitches from those three teams plus the Hornets and Clippers, according to Yahoo! Sports. However, the Hornets already acknowledged they’re “long shots,” according to general manager Mitch Kupchak.
“I don’t know where we fit into the plans of any of these players that may get bought out,” said Kupchak, who has cap space and a trade exception to utilize. “But yes, we will look and make contact with these players and their representatives if they’re bought out.”
Other players available in the buyout market include LaMarcus Aldridge, Jeff Teague and Gorgui Dieng. Aldridge is expected to sign with the Miami Heat.