Bulls center Andre Drummond is averaging a career-low 12.8 minutes per game, but he’s making the most of his limited playing time. As K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes, when he racked up 15 points and 11 rebounds on Thursday vs. Charlotte, Drummond became the first player since Daryl Dawkins in 1979 to reach those statistical benchmarks while playing no more than 15 minutes.
“Am I OK with it? I’m never OK with it,” Drummond said of his modest role. “At the end of the day, I’m a basketball player and I want to play.
“But the circumstances that I’m in, I have to work my way back to where I want to get to. There are certain routes I have to take to get there. Me being a good teammate and showing guys that I’m here to do whatever it takes to help this team win is what’s going to help me get there. That’s what I’m going to do.”
Drummond, who last summer signed a two-year, $6.6MM contract that includes a second-year player option, is a candidate to be moved before next Thursday’s trade deadline. After reporting last month that it might be a quiet deadline for the Bulls, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times reiterated that point earlier this week, but said the team may still make a roster tweak or two, such as a deal involving Drummond.
Here’s more on the Bulls:
- As of Friday, the Bulls were taking more calls than they were making, according to Cowley, who hears from one league executive that the team’s asking price remains “very high.” That applies not only to Chicago’s stars, but also to role players like Alex Caruso and Coby White.
- League sources say the Bulls have turned down some overtures for White, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic writes within a breakdown of the team’s top trade assets. Mayberry acknowledges that uncertainty about Lonzo Ball‘s status going forward may be an important factor in Chicago’s reluctance to move White — it’s still unclear whether the team considers the fourth-year guard a keeper beyond this season, when he’ll reach free agency.
- Caruso (left midfoot soreness) and Patrick Williams (right ankle sprain) left Thursday’s game early after suffering injuries, as Ryan Taylor of NBC Sports Chicago writes. However, it doesn’t sound like either ailment is serious — both players are listed as questionable to play vs. Portland on Saturday night.
Bulls look for 2 first round picks for Alex Caruso.
Lakers have 2027 and 2029 Firsts. Should the Lakers pursue?
All asking prices are crazy
Huh???! Why would I even want 1st round picks way out into the future 4 and 6 years??? Lakers have nothing to offer worth anything. Just let them rot for all I care. Besides they had their chance to reign Caruso and they screwed it up.
No. No. No.
Thanks.
But I would add though that the Bulls reluctant to part with bench players at the trade deadline is, in a word, dumb.
Is Hyland really on the way out? Does the Curry injury change the math for a plus guard? Do the Knicks part with draft capitol for a plus defender? It’s like they’re not even asking the questions.
Status quo. Status quo.
I don’t understand why Drummond isn’t playing more. He’s wildly productive and very efficient. Clippers make the most sense.
I think it’s either been done to keep him healthy for a trade or the stretch run.
He can’t shoot free throws worth a damn and makes bonehead plays on offense every game. He’s an underrated passer, but his only real skill is rebounding.
Exactly what was said already Drummond is injury prone and carries a chance every single game that he won’t be healthy enough to play. You can even see if you watch him play that he has to pick his spurts of going maybe what 85% to make aggressive plays and then has to relax and layoff playing hard for moments at a time when on the floor.
I agree about Drummond. He’s worthy of playing time, especially for a bulls team that struggles to rebound consistently all year long. You can blame coaching and the Bulls management for that. That’s their fault.
Still think Alex Caruso for James Wiseman would be a great deal for both teams. No picks needed.
If the Warriors want even throw in Andre Drummond.
Time to embrace the rebuild.
Lakers looking really active on the trade market.
I wish they would go back to that Russ deal.
Russ and 2 first for DeRozan and Vuce.
Then you free up a bunch of money and can build around Lonzo LaVine Pat Will and Wiseman.
Bring back DRose and let Coby White leave, get a SF like Kelly Oubre and then back up centre to help Wiseman like Nerlens Noel.
Ball LaVine Oubre Pat Will Wiseman
DRose Ayo Jones Jr Green Noel
Something like this and the lakers picks in the future
You had me until you said Oubre. He sucks. The biggest black hole in the nba. No good team will ever have him playing a substantial role on it.
You’re kidding right? You can’t possibly be a Bulls fan to want Westbrook. DRose is out injured (again and again and again) this guy should just retire already! Why would I want Wiseman when he has done nothing for GSW and their fans are even crying that he is a big waste of time! The Bulls will stay pat with what they have unless someone bowls them over with extreme high value for a trade. How the heck are Wiseman and and Noel going to make up for losing Vuc and DeRozan. Lonzo may have to retire if that injury does not get better. AND you totally missed Caruso. Also why would I want Lakers future picks they keep trading away for old guys that are 4 and 6 years out yet! Let the Lakers rot for all I care! Come on give me a break already. Your thought process is way off dude!
I like the trade ideas but the lakers trade packages aren’t likely good enough for the bulls to pull the trigger on that move. Reason imo is bc those picks are too far away to utilize on the bulls roster now or in the near future. The wiseman for AC idea would definitely help both teams, but would the Dubs really be willing to give up on a younger player like Wiseman for an elite defensive player like AC?..All interesting topics to discuss going into the deadline.
Lakers: derozan vucevic and levert
Cavs: caruso
Bulls: westbrook walker IV Thomas bryant Dylan windler Lakers unprotected 1sts in ’27 and ’29 and Cavs 2nds in ’24 and ’26
More of the deranged Derozan for Westbrook talk. See a shrink. Ain’t happening. Must be Russimmons crack buddy.
As far as all star caliber players I don’t think they’ll do much better than derozan who should be available considering how trash chicago is. They’d be wise to blow it up and grab some valuable pieces.
Lol
I agree Uncle very very deranged worthless trades. Anyone who wants the Bulls to get Westbrook can’t possibly be a Bulls fan.
Agreed. And I actually like Westbrook, but he’s not gonna help this bulls team become better or an elite playoff contender.
The Bulls are all set. They don’t need to make any moves.