Brooklyn Nets: Pass or pursue on three rumored trade targets
By Dalton Sell
Should the Brooklyn Nets pass or pursue rumored trade target Andre Drummond?
Rumors have swirled that the Brooklyn Nets are looking to add some size and bolster their defense with another big man down low. With that being the case, one of the most prominent names continuing to surface in discussions is Andre Drummond.
Drummond is putting up big numbers with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 17.5 points while hauling in 13.5 rebounds per game. The big man has also been making a sizeable impact defensively, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per contest in the same time frame.
However, Drummond is currently not suiting up for the Cavaliers as they ponder his future with the franchise, looking for trade partners or an eventual buyout. Cleveland acquired stud center Jarrett Allen from the Nets in the four-team Harden deal, and they have made it clear that he is their future at the position over Drummond.
Now Drummond must wait and see if teams will make a move to acquire him, but the trade market seems unlikely. The big man is in the final year of his current deal, but with him making a whopping $28.7 million, he is not the easiest piece to trade for.
As recently detailed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Drummond would be a great pickup for the Nets, but piecing together a deal is far easier said than done given their financial circumstances. Transcribed by SB Nations’ Net Income:
"“I do think there would be interest from Brooklyn. Maybe it’s the buyout market. It’s hard to see how the contracts line up. I know this right now: Cleveland has not be engaged in any serious conversations on a trade. They’re going to continue to navigate the marketplace … it’s hard to see a one-for-one for Andre Drummond,” said Woj, who admitted that a multi-team deal could help the Nets."
If the Cavaliers end up taking the buyout route with Drummond and he hits the open market, the Nets should undoubtedly look to bring him in. Trading for the former All-Star simply seems unrealistic, but if they could get him off a buyout, the former All-Star would give them the notable boost defensively they have longed for at the center position.