The Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer planning to play center Andre Drummond as they work to trade him before the March 25 trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst.
Jarrett Allen, 22, is considered the franchise’s long-term starting center and the Cavaliers believe it’s unfair to Drummond to limit the two-time All-Star’s minutes as the organization transitions to Allen, sources told ESPN’s duo.
General manager Koby Altman discussed the situation with Drummond’s agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports.
“Whichever direction this goes, Andre is 27, in his prime, and I believe strongly that he has a great deal to add to a team building toward a postseason run,” said Schwartz.
Drummond was ruled out for the Cavaliers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 14 and that will continue going forward.
Head coach J.B.Bickerstaff has had multiple sit-down discussions with Drummond, who has been frustrated by the Cavaliers’ recent slump, according to Shams Charania.
The Toronto Raptors and Cavaliers are engaging in trade discussions about Drummond, as a potential deal may take a while.
Drummond is playing on a $28.7 million expiring contract which makes matching up salaries somewhat difficult, as well as the possibility of involving other teams in the deal.
While the Cavaliers are starting to gauge the market on Drummond, there are still no serious, ongoing trade discussions with any team now, according to Wojnarowski.
It was reported last week that the Raptors were interested in Drummond.
Other teams including the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks would have interest in Drummond if he’s ultimately bought out.
The Cavaliers experimented with a big lineup and tried playing Allen and Drummond at the same time, but it was unsuccessful.
In 25 games, Drummond is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
While Drummond will eventually be on the move, Kevin Love, who has been out since December, is expected back in the near future to provide minutes in the Cavaliers’ frontcourt.
