Andre Drummond is a Detroit Piston no more, as the organization opted to trade the 26-year old center to the Cleveland Cavaliers just moments before the 3pm trade deadline. We've heard that the Pistons were open to moving Drummond for weeks now, but it appears that the two-time All Star was completely blindsided by today's events.
Immediately after the deal was confirmed, Drummond offered the following thoughts on twitter:
"If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty. I’ve given my heart and soul to the Pistons , and to be have this happen with no heads up makes me realize even more that this is just a business! I love you Detroit... you will always have a special place in my heart! But on to the next @cavs hope your ready! Let’s finish the year off the right way."
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According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Drummond was expected to turn down his $28M player option after this season, but it seems like Detroit didn't even want to risk the chance that he'd be on their books for another year. As a result, they flipped him to Cleveland in exchange for Brandon Knight, John Henson and a future second-round pick.
The Pistons, who drafted Drummond ninth overall out of UConn in the 2012 NBA Draft, currently rank 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-34. The eighth-year center is averaging 17.8 points, 15.8 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
Andre Drummond Trade Rumors: Pistons In Talks With Hawks, Several Others
Pistons & Hawks reportedly engaged in Drummond trade talks.
Detroit Pistons big man Andre Drummond could be on the move before the NBA's February 6 trade deadline, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that there are several teams interested in acquiring the two-time All Star. Among those that have reached out to the Pistons is the Atlanta Hawks.
According to Woj, the Pistons and Hawks have been engaged in trade talks centered around Drummond, although a deal is not imminent right now. The 26-year old center is reportedly expected to decline his $28M player option after this season which would certainly motivate Detroit to find a trade partner within the next four weeks.
In 33 games this season, Drummond is averaging 17.6 points and 15.8 rebounds per game. The Pistons, a team that finished in the eighth seed a season ago, are currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-23 record.
Atlanta, meanwhile, holds the worst record in the NBA at 7-27. The lone bright spot in the Hawks' season is the fact that second-year point guard Trae Young has improved upon his stellar rookie season, averaging 28.5 points (4th in the NBA) and 8.3 assists (5th in the NBA).
Again, Wojnarowski says a Pistons-Hawks trade is not imminent at this time, but if Drummond is prepared to explore free agency at season's end, one would assume he'll be dealt to Atlanta, or elsewhere, before February 6.
