Once upon a time, Andre Drummond was the Detroit Pistons' franchise player. He spent eight-and-a-half seasons in Detroit before the Pistons traded him to Cleveland in 2020. Since then, Drummond, who is now 32, has played for several teams. He's currently in Philadelphia, where he spent last season, but his future is uncertain.
Being a backup center for the Sixers isn't a typical backup center role because of Joel Embiid. Drummond started 23 of the 40 games he played in 2024-25 because Embiid was hurt. Drummond also missed time.
Embiid is reportedly expected to be ready to play in time for the start of next season, which is rapidly approaching, but as NBA fans everywhere know, his status could change at any time. The difference now is that the Sixers have other big men, including Johni Broome, whom the team drafted in the second round of June's draft, to replace Drummond on the depth chart.
Drummond is much more expendable now. He could even be traded before the season starts to give the Sixers additional space to re-sign restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. Drummond starting next season in Philadelphia isn't guaranteed, and even if he does, a pre-deadline trade could happen. He isn't a player the Sixers need to have to win.
Andre Drummond isn't the player he used to be
Signing Drummond to a two-year deal in 2024 initially seemed like a good move for the Sixers, but it hasn't aged that well. Not only did a toe sprain limit his playing time last season, but he moved slowly and didn't look engaged on the defensive end. He's not a player a contender should want as its primary backup.
Even if Embiid stays relatively healthy, his playing time will be limited. He might never play in back-to-backs again, making the backup center role that much more important. Philadelphia knows what will happen if the team relies on Drummond, hence why he has been mentioned as a trade candidate.
Drummond had plenty of good moments in Detroit during the midst of what was a bleak streak for the Pistons. He's played for a few contenders since leaving the Pistons, but hasn't been part of a team that won a championship. It doesn't seem like that will happen for him in 2026, either.
If he starts the season in Philly, he could be on the outside of the rotation looking in. His days of being a regular rotation player seem to be over, if last season was any indication of what's to come.