3 questions for the Cleveland Cavaliers if the season is over

When do they begin gauging Andre Drummond’s trade value?

No one blamed the Cavaliers for acquiring Drummond in February. Especially when all it took to make it happen was Brandon Knight, John Henson, and a second-round pick that very well may never convey. Well, that and their ability to pay out his option for the 2020-2021 season.

Cleveland was one of few teams able to make the numbers work, while simultaneously giving up next to nothing of value. And even after just eight games with the Cavaliers, it’s pretty clear they won’t be moving forward under the idea that he’s a longterm fixture at center.

No, instead, the more likely route is that Cleveland revisits the Drummond trade market. His $26-million player option for next year is the primary reason the market was as bare as it was for the Detroit Pistons back in February at the deadline.

On a one-year rental, however, there are bound to be more teams interested. All in all, it’s a smart play for the Cavaliers. They’re most likely going to draft a big man to learn behind Drummond until it’s time to hand over the keys to their incoming rookie.

Then, they flip him for any package that outweighs what they sent in return for the big man–which seems inevitable. Cleveland knows they’re going to be bad basketball team again next season, so the question isn’t if, but when they’ll look to trade Drummond.