With veteran Cavaliers center Andre Drummond now benched for the express purpose of being preserved for a trade, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic examines his possible on-court value and most likely trade or buyout destinations.
“If [you] had a bad center situation, I understand going after him,” a rival executive opined. “But I wouldn’t give up anything real [in a trade].” The Raptors are cited as being able to theoretically construct a workable deal for Drummond. Clubs like the Nets, Clippers, Lakers, Trail Blazers, Mavericks and Rockets could be open to adding Drummond if he’s bought out of his $28.7MM contract.
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love practiced with Cleveland on Wednesday, per Kelsey Russo of The Athletic (Twitter link). Russo tweets that Love did not practice with the club on Saturday, though head coach J.B. Bickerstaff would not officially term his absence a setback. “I’ll let our medical staff handle that,” Bickerstaff said. Love has appeared in just two games for Cleveland thus far this season.
- Rookie Bucks guard Sam Merrill has been recalled from a stint with the Memphis Hustle in the G League bubble, the team announced Friday. Merrill is averaging 6.1 MPG across nine games for Milwaukee.
- Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine appears to be cementing his case for his first All-Star berth with efficient scoring on a near-.500 Chicago squad that is currently the No. 9 seed in the East. LaVine’s play could put him in line for a lucrative contract extension this summer, writes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I try to let my game speak for itself,’’ LaVine said. “I let [the press] assess that and put the numbers behind it on the things I’ve done versus my contract and other players.” LaVine is averaging 28.9 PPG while shooting 51.8% from the floor and 42.9% from deep. He pulling down 5.4 RPG and dishing out 5.1 APG.
LaVine is a baller. Can’t believe he average only 9 ppg in college.
because he evolved into a better scorer in the nba
Cavs were probably better off just lighting 120 million dollars on fire instead of signing Kevin Love to that extension. He’s literally done nothing since he signed it.
You will be happy if you view Love as a top tier tank commander
Drummond is tradable, no need buyout
Drummond to the bulls for Otto porter(salary purposes) and a 2nd rounder? Bulls desperately need help in the front court and Otto porter is just riding out his contract regardless of who he is paid by
I would do that in a minute
Love when heathy played good.. he juss gotta be more assertive
But…but…he…the CLE community….and mental health….the 2016 championship….
….Yeah his contract is horrible.
But we still Love him.
if you learn how to love yourself first, you might not end up in these toxic relationships
Wonder if there was an injury set-back with Love? They need him to play to offload him in the offseason. Could be an every other practice rehab schedule.
That’s not gonna happen. They’re stuck with him
Comparison
Wiggins 5 years with Wolves miss 1 game, daughter was born, play every game so far this season
PJ Tucker miss 2 games 4 years
Love and DLo don’t play many games
This season
Wiggins and Tucker have low defensive FG
and you are saying…
Many reporters discuss Wiggins for Love trade
That’s stupid to trade a all star Dlo to get Wiggins juss to trade him like why, personally he ain’t better then Dlo & the “ceiling” they say he has which they think he will be better then Dlo keyword THINK which is a gamble over the here & now Dlo who got the Nets into the playoffs before being traded,Love is a HOF & champion, if healthy & more assertive he will definitely impact a team, he’s definitely a better shooter then Wiggins he’s a former 3pt champion
Three team:
Cavs: Dwight Powell, James Johnson, 2x2nd round pick (1 from each team)
Mavs: Otto Porter, JaVale McGee
Bulls: Andre Drummond
Mavs are in desperate need of an upgrade to their line up. This would meaning moving Hardaway to SG, and bringing Porter in at the three spot. Porter is a capable defender and good floor spacer which is what Dallas needs. Plus McGee can return and be a really good centre for them, being active on the boards and playing defence. JRich can help Brunson/Terry run the second unit which also has good shooters like Kleber and Finney-Smith.
It’s also gives them max cap space in the offseason between Hardaway Richardson and Porter.
Cavs get picks and a decent expunged deal and Powell can serve as a decent bench piece.
Bulls get an upgrade going from Porter to Drummond. Drummond could be a long term fit with LaVine considering Carter hasn’t done much and apparently wants to move to PF
No. Enough with the Drummond to the Bulls crap.
Drummond would make them better
It’s going to be interesting to see if someone trades for Drummond. Or he gets bought out. I wonder if he’ll chase a ring. Or go with a team who believes in a future with him.
Celtics might get desperate and trade for him. Theis is awful and Thompson hasn’t done well either.
They can’t make it work without a huge luxury tax penalty
Bulls could offer Otto Porter and picks to get Drummond; and would have a surprisingly deep and talented team.