3. Andre Drummond
There is potential for the Los Angeles Lakers to bring Andre Drummond back and there has already been speculation that it could be in the cards for the Lakers. That would be a mistake for the Lakers, and quite frankly, I think they are smarter than to overpay for Drummond.
If Drummond is willing to take an extremely low salary, even something along the lines of a minimum deal, then I am all for bringing him back. The problem is that he is likely not going to accept that. The entire reason why he wanted to come to LA was not just to contend, but to play for a team that he actually would have a role on to increase his value in free agency.
And while he might not be worth it, there will be a team willing to overpay for Andre Drummond. The Boston Celtics signed Tristan Thompson to a two-year deal just shy of $19 million. If Thompson got that much it is safe to expect Drummond’s salary to be in the $8-10 million range.
With the other contracts that need to be given out as well as the other holes to fill it just does not make sense to pay Drummond this much. This obviously leaves a massive hole at the center position without Montrezl Harrell as well, so Rob Pelinka would have some work to do.
I would love to be wrong about Drummond’s market and hope that he would sign for cheaper. If he signs with the Lakers on a deal close to Thompson’s then Laker fans should not be happy.