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This Raptors-Cavs trade will get Andre Drummond to Toronto

By Stephen Nixon

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 12: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the Atlanta Hawks bench during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 129-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 12: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the Atlanta Hawks bench during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 129-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Raptors may be a fringe playoff team right now but they’re one move away from being a contender again. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers have “engaged in active talks” in regards to a potential trade centered around Andre Drummond.

The former UConn center is currently in the last year of his contract, worth $28.8M per season. With limited cap space, the Raptors would have to get creative in order to acquire a player of his caliber.

Drummond is currently averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game and is one of the few bright spots on a struggling Cavaliers team. For a Raptors team that doesn’t have a single player averaging double-digit rebounds, Drummond would be a perfect addition.

Aron Baynes has been trying his best to be the number-one center, but it clearly hasn’t worked out. In addition to Drummond’s rebounding, he can also contribute offensively in the paint, which is something Baynes also hasn’t been able to do.

This trade could help get Andre Drummond to the Toronto Raptors

Although an additional draft-pick may be needed in order to get this deal done, this exchange could be enough to get Drummond to Toronto. Based on the cap-situation, Toronto would need to give up four players to make the money work.

The biggest asset in this deal for the Cavaliers would be Powell. Currently in his sixth NBA season, Powell’s having the best year of his career. Averaging 16.5 points per game, he’s been the most consistent bench performer, alongside Chris Boucher.

Powell’s never averaged more than 28 minutes per night, but he’s made a compelling case for increased minutes in his 14 starts this season. As a starter, he’s scored 20-plus points 10 times. As a result, his numbers would only increase if he was sent to Cleveland, as he’d be one of their primary scorers every night.

After Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka left the organization, there’s been a gap at the center position and Toronto needs to address that immediately if they want to make the playoffs and compete for a championship. Drummond would provide that additional defense, scoring and rebounding that this team desperately needs and could seriously make them a contender again.

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The Raptors need to find a way to get Drummond to Toronto, or they’ll be wasting what could be Kyle Lowry’s last season with the team. The Raptors may be off to a slow start, but it could all change with this one transaction.