Detroit Pistons roundtable: Would you trade Andre Drummond?

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond is on an expiring contract, which leaves the slight opportunity he will be traded. Here’s what our writers think.

Andre Drummond is on an expiring contract and has made his feelings known on what he thinks of the free agency process, putting the Detroit Pistons in a bind.

Continuing the “what if” game, the Pistons should be in playoff contention by the All-Star break since they have the easiest schedule in the NBA before the break. To make up for their scheduling fortunes, the month of March is the toughest in the NBA and makes a playoff push more difficult.

If their plans go South in the winter, then the avenue to trade Drummond becomes clear, unless they play for an extension.

It’s iffy on who would be interested in Drummond. The Heat traded away Hassan Whiteside and cleared the way for Bam Adebayo. Atlanta has a solid big in John Collins that can play center. Perhaps the Sacramento Kings would have interest in obtaining his bird rights to re-sign him, but they dealt Willie Cauley-Stein to make way for their younger centers.

Given what we know now, Drummond’s expiring contract and desire to explore free agency, here is what our writers say on whether or not they’d trade Drummond.

Aaron Kellerstrass: It really depends. If the Pistons can get a young building block and a first rounder for him, I’d do it. The Pistons have a fairly hard ceiling with Drummond as their second best player. However, they likely don’t want to blow it up with Blake Griffin still playing well, so there would have to be NBA ready talent coming back in the trade. This is the question that will determine much of the next decade one way or the other. I don’t envy Ed Stefanski.

Jon Young: I would deal Drummond if we weren’t in position to better our playoff position and the right player became available. If they could move him for a franchise-type point guard and still stay competitive, it would be tough not to. It’s hard to say what the market will be for a traditional center, so if they could get a good return, why not?

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Spyros Papadakos: I would deal any player for the right price. I think the Griffin-Drummond duo is working quite nicely on the court but that’s certainly not a title-contending pair. That doesn’t mean the Pistons should trade him for peanuts as many people suggest. Addition by subtraction is a horrible argument in this instance as Drummond is an extremely productive player. Getting a player of the same caliber that fits more nicely with Griffin should be the goal of any potential Drummond trade. However, that kind of trade seems improbable so I wouldn’t bet on it.

Eli Bashi: I would deal Drummond if there was an enticing offer or he shows no interest in re-signing in Detroit.

Eric Black: Do not deal Andre Drummond, especially if it’s a deal without a proven center involved.

Steven Bryant: I’d like to see how he plays, I guess. If he picks up where he left off, his value would probably be the highest it’s ever been. If a Bradley Beal or a D’Angelo Russell deal is lined up, definitely trade him. But if it’s for a few role players and low picks, hold onto him.

Richard Davisson: Only if the Pistons seem like they will miss the playoffs by the trade deadline or if Drummond makes it clear to the front office that he won’t re-sign after the year. Drummond’s skillset is overlooked by many as not useful for today’s game primarily because he doesn’t shoot threes. With the Warriors dynasty and their unique style of play no longer the target, I believe that Drummond’s strengths will be incredibly useful as the modern NBA evolves.

What would you do with Andre Drummond this year? Let us know in the comments section or join the conversation on the Piston Powered Facebook page and on Twitter @PistonPowered.