Andre Drummond answered a looming question on Instagram, saying he wants to stay with the Detroit Pistons despite being a free agent this summer.
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond can hit the free agent market in 2020 but signs point to him wanting to stay, and now he’s on the record about it.
Drummond responded to an Instagram comment on Thursday morning, saying “that’s the plan,” when asked if he was going to re-sign in Detroit.
Looks like @AndreDrummond wants to stay with the #Pistons beyond this season. pic.twitter.com/YoZqxXEHsB
— Aaron Ferguson (@Sports_Aaron) October 31, 2019
During the offseason, Drummond offered remarks that he was looking forward to free agency, sending Pistons fans into a frenzy. Though he later clarified his comments, even saying he loves Detroit. Several weeks later, he said he wanted a maximum contract from the Pistons.
Drummond has been carrying the load with Blake Griffin out to begin the season and Reggie Jackson missing time. Through five games, Drummond is averaging 21 points, 17.4 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. He has a 20 rebound advantage on Kevin Love to lead the league, though Love has played one fewer game. Drummond’s 25.4 Player Efficiency Rating is good for 23rd in the NBA.
The eye test shows Drummond is improving defensively. He’s become more mobile offensively with improved ball-handling, allowing him to take players off the dribble. He continues to make improvements to his game, even if his 3-point shooting hasn’t taken off in games.
It will be interesting to see how Drummond and Griffin fit together with Drummond’s new mobility on offense. The duo led the Pistons to a 41-41 season, good for the eight seed in the East. The goal has shifted to improving on that and delivering Detroit its first playoff win since 2008.
This is a franchise-changing season. Detroit has one of the youngest rosters in the NBA and will have the most financial flexibility this summer to spend. But Drummond is the marquee free agent, unless Anthony Davis has a falling out with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even then, Detroit is an unlikely suitor despite the upgrades in recent years to the basketball experience for players.
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If the Pistons fall into a downward spiral before the All-Star break, it could lead to radical change and potentially surprising trades. That could include Drummond, who would help several teams in a stretch run. It could possibly involve Jackson, though at his salary may hinder potential trade packages.
Detroit has the easiest schedule before the All-Star break, so the injuries to start the season have made it possible for a depleted roster to win a few games. Still, at 2-3 the Pistons have to wonder what they would look like with Griffin and Jackson healthy. Though Griffin nears a return, health is the biggest factor moving forward and if he, or others, can’t stay healthy, then Detroit is digging a big hole before the March gauntlet.
Drummond has seemingly answered a key question with his impending free agency. He wants to be a Detroit Pistons. The clock is ticking to see if a deal can get done before he hits the free agent market.
How much would you be willing to sign Drummond to? Our staff answered that question in a roundtable this offseason.