Toronto Raptors: 4 players Toronto can add post-deadline

By Ben Fisher | Mar 27, 2021

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors takes a shot past Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Toronto won the game 105-92.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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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Look out, NBA, Andre Drummond is a free man. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Raptors target No. 3: Andre Drummond

The Raptors have been down this road before with Drummond. But now that the Cleveland Cavaliers are working towards a buyout of the rebounding savant, there should be renewed consideration given the non-existent acquisition cost. After all, it’s not like Toronto’s situation upfront has improved any post-deadline.

The challenge here, of course, is that the Raps aren’t likely to be the only team chasing the 27-year-old. Heck, Drummond himself didn’t even name Toronto on his list of five destinations.

Why would Andre Drummond come to the Raptors?

And really, what’s the club’s sales pitch? ‘Hey, you might help us get into the play-in tournament’? Expected to be one of the top options on the buyout market, Drummond may wind up having his pick of title-contending suitors.

That said, team president Masai Ujiri and GM Bobby Webster wouldn’t be doing their jobs if they didn’t at least check in on Drummond.

For their part, the Raptors could offer an immediate starting role and a significant opportunity to earn big minutes, which would help in pursuit of his next contract. There could also be mutual interest, given the club’s long-held interest in the former Detroit Piston. A match is probably unlikely at this point, but stranger things have happened.