1. The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be hard-pressed to find a trade partner for Andre Drummond
In a perfect world, the Cleveland Cavaliers would find a trade partner and get something for half a season of his services from a team in contention. In the real world, it has become quite clear that the Pistons are going to be really hard-pressed to find a trade partner that can take on that contract and can give something tangible in return.
We just saw the exact same problem with Griffin, although Griffin’s contract was worse as it had an extra season and he is playing poorly this season. The Pistons were unable to get anything done for Griffin and with Drummond’s high salary, I expect the same problem for Cleveland.
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There are two teams in the league that seemingly have the ability to be able to trade for Drummond. The Boston Celtics have a $28.5 million trade exception, making a potential deal for Drummond much easier. However, Danny Ainge did recently say that with the trade exception the team is targeting shooting with size.
Drummond has size, he does not have the shooting.
The Golden State Warriors are the other team that could make something happen and that is because of Andrew Wiggins’ contract. There are two problems with Golden State as a potential fit, though.
First is that the contract of Wiggins is for multiple seasons and would actually be a worse asset for the small-market Cavaliers to get in return. That is not even a good return for the team. Second is that the Warriors would have to cut James Wiseman’s minutes if they were to get Drummond and that is less than ideal.
Outside of those two teams, it is hard to find a contender that not only needs a traditional rim-protecting center like Drummond but has the salaries to make a deal work as well as something that is at least worthwhile for the Cavaliers.
Thus, a buyout is likely.