Bulls Rumors: Andre Drummond Contract Eyed in NBA Free Agency After Josh Giddey Trade
The Chicago Bulls are interested in re-signing veteran center Andre Drummond in free agency, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Drummond has spent the last two seasons in Chicago, accepting a player option worth $3.36 million to return to the team during the 2023 offseason.
Although he's transitioned to a bench role after leading the league in rebounding throughout four separate seasons in his career, he's remained effective as a reserve. During his 2023-24 campaign, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes per game in his 79 appearances.
The 30-year-old has spoken about his excitement for his impending free agency, but he didn't rule out a return to the Bulls.
"I'm excited to see what happens in the offseason," Drummond said on Feb. 20, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. "Whatever team sees me as an asset, I'm ready. Obviously, I'm here now and I love it here. I would love to be here still."
The feeling appears to be mutual, as the Bulls removed themselves from trade discussions involving Drummond ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline. Scotto previously reported that the Philadelphia 76ers nearly traded for the big man before Chicago pulled out of talks just "hours before the deadline."
The Bulls may be pivoting towards a younger roster ahead of the 2024-25 season after trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for 21-year-old guard Josh Giddey on Thursday.
However, Drummond's rebounding and veteran presence off the bench may be too valuable for Chicago's front office to part ways with.
