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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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Drummond’s contract status

Since being drafted, Drummond has led the NBA in rebounding three times. He is also a two-time All-Star. In July 2016, Drummond signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Pistons, the final season being a player option.

It is assumed that Drummond will decline the final year and $28.7 million remaining on his contract. Drummond can then enter free agency next summer and sign a new long-term deal.

The 2020 free-agent class projects to be underwhelming. Drummond would be one of the best players available. If the Hawks don’t trade for him before the deadline, they have the ability to offer him a max contract on July 1st.

There are obvious reasons a team would be interested in Drummond. Once again this season, he is leading the NBA in rebounding at 15.8 per game. Drummond is also averaging 17.6 points and 1.8 blocks per game.

What Drummond doesn’t do is space the floor, he is a true old school five-man. The majority of his points come within three feet of the basket as the roll man and off of put-backs.

In this new era of positionless basketball, big men that can’t step out to the perimeter are becoming less and less valuable. The Golden State Warriors played Clint Capela off the court in the playoffs. How much does a team want to spend on a player that mostly just blocks shots and collects rebounds, even if he does it at an elite level?

One advanced scout put it best, Drummond can get his team 20 points and 20 rebounds and have no impact on the game. Teams have to be careful about how much they invest into such a player.

Assuming Drummond opts out of his current deal, he would be eligible to sign a new contract starting at $34.8 million. A five-year max contract would be worth about $201 million.

It might make sense for a team like the Hawks to trade for Drummond. They only have $33 million in committed salaries for next season. General manager Travis Schlenk probably assumes that acquiring Drummond now would give him an advantage in re-signing him next summer. But just because such a trade makes sense for the Hawks, doesn’t mean it is the right move for a team like the Raptors.