Rumor: Andre Drummond could join Lakers if he gets Cavaliers buyout

[Lebron23]

The Cavaliers want to trade Andre Drummond.

But it’s not easy to trade a limited center with a $28,751,774 salary.

So, a buyout is possible – which could get Drummond to the Lakers.

Marc Stein of The New York Times:

There is optimism within the Lakers that they will get strong consideration from Andre Drummond if Drummond ultimately leaves the Cavaliers via buyout, league sources say.

Cleveland’s preference, of course, remains trading Drummond elsewhere before the March 25 trade deadline.
12:10 AM · Mar 9, 2021

This is far from definite language – “optimism,” “strong consideration,” “if.” But NBA rules dictate caution when leaking information like this. Drummond is still under contract with Cleveland, after all. I infer fairly significant Drummond-to-Los Angeles momentum if he’s bought out.

The Lakers don’t exactly need another center with Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell and Markieff Morris.

But it’s unclear which forwards and guards will be available to Los Angeles.

Drummond could provide athletic size the Lakers lost with Dwight Howard‘s and JaVale McGee‘s departures last offseason. Drummond rebounds excellently. Perhaps, he – like McGee did in Los Angeles – would defend more effectively in a narrow role. Drummond’s effectiveness as an interior scorer and passer can drift with his focus. Again, playing for the championship-contending Lakers could bring out the best in him.

First, though, Drummond must become a free agent. The Cavs still hold the cards.

Rumor: Andre Drummond could join Lakers if he gets Cavaliers buyout originally appeared on NBCSports.com

[Lebron23]

Drummond Davis LeBron Shroeder Pope

[Spurs m8]

Get lecarried more help please!!

His career is, and has always been, reliant upon it

[theballerFKA Ace]

Please please let this be true. It was such a huge mistake to let both McGee and Howard go in place of a broken down Gasol. Never made any sense.

[HylianNightmare]

Hope the nets get him too ngl

[Spurs m8]

Hope the nets get him too ngl

This would he hilarious hahaahha

LeEntitled would deadset melt

[RoundMoundOfReb]

If they do this they might as well trade Harrell. Makes no sense otherwise.

[Uncle Drew]

He's trash.

[TheGoatest]

If they do this they might as well trade Harrell. Makes no sense otherwise.

Harrell could still play the 4.
But getting Drummond would basically mean that Always Damaged wouldn't have to play any center whatsoever, which he really dislikes.

[SATAN]

98% sure he won't go to the Lakers

[Kingwillball]

98% sure he won't go to the Lakers

Cause he will go to the Nets right ? Nets would have the first all star starting 5.

[Kingwillball]

If they got Drummond Lakers would be very flexible however added a shooter/ wing like Ariza would make a lot of sense as well. I think Drummond AND a shooter/ wing is still in cards. Or plan B Whiteside and shooter. Can give Lakers min in certain matchups and would ensure they could always have rim protection on court once AD returns. Now if they could get Drummond via buyout and trade Harrel for PJ Tucker that would lock up championship for Lakers.

[ArbitraryWater]

If they got Drummond Lakers would be very flexible however added a shooter/ wing like Ariza would make a lot of sense as well. I think Drummond AND a shooter/ wing is still in cards. Or plan B Whiteside and shooter. Can give Lakers min in certain matchups and would ensure they could always have rim protection on court once AD returns. Now if they could get Drummond via buyout and trade Harrel for PJ Tucker that would lock up championship for Lakers.

bro u have the worst suggestions

[Kiddlovesnets]

Lakers were optimistic that they would get Kawhi too in 2019, see what happened? Why would the Cavs buy him out? And if they do, why would Drummond favor Lakers over other destinations like the Nets, Clippers and Mavericks?

[TheGoatest]

Why would the Cavs buy him out?

Because they've been trying to trade him for a while and they can't get anyone for him. That's why this buyout of Drummond subject is discussed by sports media and on sports forums to begin with.