Detroit Pistons: Ranking the best trade destinations for Andre Drummond
The Detroit Pistons are in the market to trade Andre Drummond and with several possible suitors, we rank the best landing spots.
The Detroit Pistons have been in trade discussions with the Atlanta Hawks for Andre Drummond, according to media reports on Friday.
This comes only one day after owner Tom Gores addressed the media, finally acknowledging that the team may need to reevaluate their situation, hinting towards a rebuild.
As noted by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there are several teams that have had discussion with the Pistons. Vince Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports reported that the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors all have registered interest in trading for Drummond.
reality check. Pistons owner Tom Gores: 'We have to look at everything'. light
Out of the interested teams reported so far, here are the best fits for the Pistons big man.
4. Toronto Raptors
Out of the reported interested teams, the Raptors make the least sense. The Raptors currently are short-handed in their front court, with Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol.
The ‘Big 3’ of the Raptors walking wounded — Siakam (groin); Powell (shoulder) and Gasol (hamstring) — are still ‘a ways away’ said Nurse before Raps get set to close our decade vs. Cavs
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) December 31, 2019
Toronto has had to rely on Serge Ibaka, OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to play in the front court during their absence. Drummond would certainly be an upgrade for the Raptors, but it’s difficult to find a deal that works well for both sides.
This summer the Raptors will have to make a decision on free agent Fred VanVleet, after extending Kyle Lowry with a $31 million cap hit in 2020-21. They also need to extend their star forward Pascal Siakam.
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Gasol and Ibaka will both be free agents after this season, so it is likely the Raptors are looking to solidify the center position. However, the Raptors could be hesitant to pay big money to Drummond, in addition to Siakam and Lowry.
As far as a basketball fit, Drummond could certainly succeed this season as the Raptors battle for playoff seeding. Drummond and Siakam could be a devastating defensive duo. The Raptors offensive scheme relies on the passing ability of their center Marc Gasol, which is something that Drummond has impressed at when given the responsibility.
Drummond could be a a nice fit in Toronto in the offseason, but they have a ton of big men on their roster, but they shouldn’t part with any valuable assets to bolster their already strong front court this year.