By Damon Knight, Tribune Correspondent
During Thursday’s NBA trade deadline the Detroit Pistons finally struck a deal that would send Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a pair of players and a second-round draft pick in 2023. The pick would be the lesser of the Golden State Warriors or Cleveland.
Drummond, 26, is in the final year of a fully guaranteed contract, he has a player option worth $28.7M for the 2020-2021 season. However, Drummond is looking to test the free-agent waters after expressing interests the summer before. After the news broke of him being traded, Drummond took to Twitter to express his newly found knowledge, “If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty. I’ve given my heart and soul to the Pistons, and to have this happen with no heads up makes me realize even more that this is just a business! I love you Detroit…” Drummond is averaging a career-high 17.8 point a game, along with 15.8 rebounds. The 2 x All-Star has led the league in rebounds the past 3 seasons.
“We are grateful for Andre’s contributions to our team, our franchise and the City of Detroit,” said Pistons owner Tom Gores. “He’s a special player who improved his game every year and represented the Pistons well both on the court and in the community. Though our paths are diverging for the moment Andre will always hold a special place here with me, and in the City of Detroit.”
Given his contract situation, the Pistons didn’t receive eye-popping talent that is equivalent to Drummond’s. Sources say they will acquire power-forward John Henson, point-guard Brandon Knight and a second-round pick in 2023. To make room on the roster, Detroit will wave guard Tim Frazier.
