Andre Drummond, who has been identified recently as the Bulls player most likely to be traded at the deadline, gave the team something to think about on Tuesday in what could end up being his last game in a Chicago uniform.
As K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes, Drummond started alongside fellow center Nikola Vucevic for the first time this season, with the Bulls looking to counter the size of the Timberwolves’ frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. He ultimately played 35 minutes and racked up 16 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks in an impressive overtime win over Minnesota.
One of the NBA’s most reliable backup centers, Drummond has now shared the court with Vucevic for 54 minutes this season and the Bulls have posted a +14.3 net rating during that time, including outscoring the Wolves in their 25 minutes together on Tuesday.
Still, league sources tell Johnson that the Bulls have engaged in trade talks with multiple teams about the two-time All-Star, who says he’s not stressing Thursday’s deadline.
“I control what I can control,” Drummond said. “I’ve been doing this for 12 years. There’s nothing I can do about it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, great. Either way, I’m going to continue to come in and do my job on a daily basis.”
Here’s more from around the Central:
- Head coach Billy Donovan suggested on Tuesday that while Zach LaVine‘s season-ending foot surgery might affect the Bulls‘ approach to the trade deadline, it shouldn’t significantly alter the club’s plans, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. “I did not get from (Bulls executives) Arturas (Karnisovas) or Marc (Eversley): ‘Hey, we were kind of going down this path, and now we’ve kind of had to course-correct and go here.’ That has not happened at all,” Donovan said. “I’m sure they have to look at that, right? Because the hope was that when (LaVine) did go out that second time with his foot that he would return, and that was the anticipation of everybody. I’m sure those guys are looking at all the scenarios.”
- Eric Nehm of The Athletic provides an in-depth preview of the trade deadline from the Bucks‘ perspective, writing that the team’s top priority should be acquiring a point-of-attack defender. Nehm lays out a few hypothetical deals that could address that issue, with his proposed targets ranging from high-end (Dejounte Murray) to more modest (Kris Dunn).
- A frequent subject of trade rumors as of late, Pat Connaughton was the Bucks‘ unlikely starter at point guard on Tuesday with Damian Lillard (left ankle sprain) unavailable, writes Jim Owczarski of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I’m trying to build Pat’s confidence back,” new head coach Doc Rivers explained. “I don’t know if he’s lost it or not, but I just think he can help us and I’m trying to actually give him more minutes. In a normal thing I would probably play one of the other guys but I’m trying to get Pat going. I think he’s important for us later as well.”
- The Pacers already completed a major in-season deal when they traded for Pascal Siakam last month, but they’re in position to make another move or two if they want to, according to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, who examines Indiana’s options and points out that the club could still benefit from a consolidation trade even after parting with multiple players for Siakam.
Drummond to C’s
I thought the same thing, but I doubt it would happen.
Nope.
Maybe Philly … Wake up GSW and include Caruso also for Wiggs and picks
Chicago Bulls, “Continuity Champions.” Hang the banner!
I would love Drummond to the Mavs, but realistically there is no reason for Chicago to trade him. They will at best get a second round draft pick and that’s not worth it as they can resign Drummond next year.
Plus, the bulls are a better team without LaVine. I wouldn’t be surprised if they GAVE a first round pick to get rid of him.
Drummond could have signed with them the way Derrick Jones Jr did. He should have because Billy has disrespected him
Ultimately, the Indiana Pacers will have Buyers Remorse for the acquisition and contract that they are going to give Siakam.
I mean, obviously.
The Bulls should keep the lineup as is and see what happens.
Trading Andre without trading the rest is just stupid but hey, the Bulls front office is stuck on stupid!
Bulls have been stupid to keep starting Vucevic over Drummond all this time. Since early on in the season, Drummond while not perfect, had given them a much better fit and presence than Vucevic did. But money talks and all they cared about was playing the guy they just handed so much more money to on a new deal. Couldn’t admit that mistake by putting him on the bench even if the team would win more often.
Vooch and LaVine contracts should have never been handed out.
LaVine’s new injury will make it impossibly to move now.
Since LaVine is going to be out. Bulls should just go full retool. Or rebuild. They go have 3 chips they can move. Caruso, DeM, Drummond. Get the value and move on. 2 are FAs to be. Bulls can get good value back for all three players.
@AL. I know you’re all about DeM DeR but I wouldn’t mind Caruso on the Knicks