One of the biggest names on the trading block prior to the NBA Trade deadline was Pistons’ center Andre Drummond, who was acquired on Thursday by the Cavaliers in exchange for John Henson, Brandon Knight and a 2023 second-round pick. Drummond had an opt-out option for next year and the team feared they would lose him in free agency and decided to pull the trigger because something is better than nothing.
The two-time All-Star is in his eighth season with Detroit averaging 17.8 points (a career-high),15.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game through 49 games and is on pace to win his fourth rebounding title after leading the league three of the last four seasons. Drummond apparently wasn’t notified of the trade and took to Twitter to voice his frustration.
Senior Advisor for the Pistons Ed Stefanski commented on Drummond’s frustration telling Detroit News, “The worst thing in the world is have to trade someone who’s been here (for a long time). This is the only place he’s been in. Emotions are raw. Dre knew he was in trade talks and I was talking to his representatives about different things. Cleveland came in late. I guess you’d have to talk to Dre what exactly he meant. But again, emotions are raw when this stuff happens. I understand that.”
He was the ninth overall pick by the Pistons in 2012 and is definitely an above-average post player and rebounder but never really had enough help to make noise in the Eastern Conference. In his eight seasons with the Pistons, the team only made the playoffs twice while Drummond was a starter and they were swept both times. Now, he joins a last place Cavaliers team that is searching for an identity and going through a massive rebuild. There’s also no guarantee Drummond will resign with Cleveland.
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