Drummond, Griffin on block

Two teams have put their former All-Star big men on the trading block, with the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers opting to sit Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, respectively as they mull potential trades.

Drummond will be inactive for upcoming games as the Cavaliers, who are struggling badly after a solid start and are intent on playing newly acquired center Jarrett Allen, try to deal the two-time All-Star.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the decision to sit Drummond, one of the NBA’s leading rebounders at 13.5 per game, was difficult.

“Sometimes you’re forced into difficult positions that’s not easy to navigate, but in respect to Dre and all that he’s done and accomplished and as much as he’s helped us, we thought this was the fairest thing to do for him,” Bickerstaff said.

After the team met with Drummond and his agent, he was kept out Sunday’s game — the team called it “rest” — against the Los Angeles Clippers. Drummond will continue to stay on the sideline while the team tries to find a trade partner.

For the Pistons, the decision to potentially part ways with Griffin is another step in their rebuilding process.

Detroit plans to keep the star forward out of the lineup while he and the organization work out a decision on his future.

“After extensive conversation with Blake’s representatives, it has been determined that we will begin working to facilitate a resolution regarding his future with the team that maximizes the interests of both parties,” Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said in a statement Monday. “We respect all the effort Blake has put forth in Detroit and his career and will work to achieve a positive outcome for all involved.”

Griffin, who turns 32 next month, came to Detroit in a trade during the 2017-18 season as part of the franchise’s push to become relevant again. The Pistons, though, have made only one postseason appearance with him and have spent much of the last year overhauling their roster in earnest.

“It’s a situation where we’re rebuilding and retooling and we have to give those minutes to guys like Saddiq (Bey),” coach Dwane Casey said.