The Cleveland Cavaliers no longer plan to play Andre Drummond as they are working on a two-time All-Star center ahead of the NBA’s March 25 deadline, sources told ESPN.
Moving towards making Jarrett Allen the franchise’s long-term center, the Cavaliers believe it is unfair for Drummond to limit his minutes while the organization prioritizes Allen’s development, sources said.
The general manager of the Cavaliers, Koby Altman, discussed the move with Drummond and his agent, Jeff Schwartz from Excel Sports, and together they decided the center would remain on the team, according to sources, but no longer be active for games.
Drummond didn’t play in the Cavaliers’ loss to the LA Clippers on Sunday-evening, and that will continue on Monday against the Golden State Warriors and into the future. The Cavs said Drummond missed Sunday’s game to rest and came to the game wearing a sweatshirt with the word “goodbye” on the front.
When Schwartz reached out on Monday morning, he neither confirmed nor denied the version, but told ESPN, “Whichever direction he takes, Andre is 27 years old, in his prime and I firmly believe he has much to add. “
Drummond is playing a contract that expires this season for $ 28.7 million, making matching salaries in a transaction a huge challenge. He averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 games as a starter this season. Sources indicated that several teams are interested in him and that the Cavaliers will work to find favorable trade for the parties.
Additionally, there was no discussion of a contract purchase that would allow Drummond to become a free agent, the sources said.
Drummond’s future with the Cavs was clouded last month when Cleveland moved to Allen, 22, who became the center of the future for the franchise. Drummond will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, while Allen will be a limited free agent.
Allen has played well in 15 games with the Cavs, averaging 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Cleveland coach, JB Bickerstaff, Allen recently moved to the starting grid.
A multi-game experiment involving Drummond and Allen playing together was unsuccessful as the Cavs plummeted in results as they had a seven-game loss streak. Kevin Love, who has been out with a calf injury since December, is expected to return this week.