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The Toronto Raptors shouldn’t trade for Andre Drummond

By Mark Birdsell

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 30: Fred VanVleet #23 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors react to a basket as Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 30: Fred VanVleet #23 and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors react to a basket as Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Maybe the Toronto Raptors should make a move before the trade deadline. But it is about making the right move and that is not acquiring Andre Drummond from the Detroit Pistons.

Trade season has officially begun. The first player who appears to be on the move is Andre Drummond. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are engaged in trade talks with respect to the 26-year-old big man.

However, the Hawks aren’t the only team interested in making a move for Drummond. Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported that the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and Toronto Raptors have all registered interest in Drummond.

As per Woj, the Hawks have discussed sending a package that includes the Brooklyn Nets’ 2020 first-round pick and salary cap relief. It is also noted that a potential deal would include other assets.

Given what the Pistons are reportedly seeking for Drummond, it is understandable that multiple teams would have interest in his services. But does Drummond really move the needle for the Toronto Raptors?

Drummond was the 9th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He stands 6-foot-10, with a 7-foot-6.25 wingspan. Despite weighing 279 lbs, Drummond is super athletic and can jump out of the gym. In case you haven’t seen Drummond play much (and since he plays for the Pistons, you’re not alone), check out this highlight package of all 144 of his dunks from the 2017-18 season.

Back in 2012, the Raptors had the opportunity to draft Drummond. However, Toronto had just selected Jonas Valanciunas one year earlier. Valanciunas was viewed as the team’s centre of the future. As a result, then general manager Bryan Colangelo opted to draft Terrence Ross instead.

Most Raptors fans have a love/hate relationship with Ross (mostly hate). Ross had a few highlights during his time in Toronto. This included winning the 2013 Slam Dunk Contest and scoring a career-high 51 point in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Ross may not have panned out for the Raptors, but given how things have gone in the last couple of years it is hard to complain. Things have not gone as well for Drummond and the Pistons.