NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers, Rockets Not Likely Landing Spots for Bulls' Andre Drummond

Chicago Bulls big man Andre Drummond could be on the move ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, but don't expect to see him land on the Los Angeles Lakers or Houston Rockets.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported both Western Conference teams "have been categorized as less likely outcomes for the 30-year-old big man" despite previously showing interest in a possible trade.

Drummond might not be moved at all, in fact.

Fischer noted the Bulls "still have eyes on the postseason" and may decide to hold onto their main players for a late push. They are 24-27 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, so they are at least in position to make the play-in tournament.

Still, Chicago isn't a realistic contender.

Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball are each sidelined for the season with injuries, and there has been no consistency throughout the campaign. The front office would be much smarter to move toward a rebuild, especially since DeMar DeRozan and Drummond are each playing on expiring contracts.

Throw in Alex Caruso being under contract for just one more season, and many of the core players likely aren't going to be on the roster by the time the Bulls have a roster talented enough to make a deep playoff run.

Drummond could net multiple draft picks, especially given his recent play. He posted a double-double of 16 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in Tuesday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and has scored in double figures in five of his last eight games.

Perhaps a team like the Philadelphia 76ers that needs more frontcourt depth will be willing to give up multiple picks for the veteran. Fischer listed them as a team that is interested given Joel Embiid's knee injury, and such a move could make some sense for a team in win-now mode.

It seems like Drummond suiting up for the 76ers down the stretch is more likely than seeing him in a Lakers or Rockets uniform.