While Cleveland Cavaliers center Andre Drummond has yet to officially announce that he’ll pick up his player option for the 2020-21 season, a new report indicates that Drummond will likely take that route.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com looked at how Drummond’s decision is likely to chart the offseason course for the Cavaliers.
The apparent reason for Drummond picking up his option is based on the probability that he’d be unable to make even the same amount of money if he left for free agency.
“According to multiple sources, Drummond picking up his option remains most likely,” Fedor wrote. “It’s also most logical. Just look at what the [Detroit] Pistons received at the deadline. It was a salary dump, wanting to clean up the books and avoid paying him north of $28 million for 20-21. That’s a perfect portrait of his declining value. In this pace-and-space era, with shooting and perimeter skill so vital, some centers are still worth that bulky price tag. Drummond isn’t one of them.”
Drummond was acquired from the Detroit Pistons at the trade deadline in February and had only played in eight games with the Cavaliers before play was suspended on March 11.
The 26-year-old Drummond does bring value to the Cavaliers, possessing an ability to deliver a double-double in every game.
In 57 games this season for both the Pistons and Cavaliers, Drummond was averaging 17.7 points, 15.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 blocks per game.
Drummond was earning just over $27 million this season and is scheduled to earn $28.75 million next season if he picks up his option.
The Cavaliers are already scheduled to pay Kevin Love over $31 million next season, which means that just two players next season could account for a good portion of the team’s payroll.
Love’s hefty price tag is one reason why he’s been the subject of trade talk, though no firm offers have apparently come the Cavaliers’ way.
If Drummond does pick up his option, he could also be a possible trade candidate next season if the Cavs determine that he’s no longer a part of their future.
For now, however, the Cavaliers are waiting for both Drummond to decide and whether or not the NBA will resume the 2019-20 season.
