Andre Drummond Trade Rumors: DET Hasn't 'Given Up Hope'; Contract 'Cooled' Teams

The Detroit Pistons are reportedly still attempting to move center Andre Drummond ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Pistons "haven't given up hope" of trading Drummond despite the fact that his market has cooled.

Lowe noted that even if the Pistons are able to deal Drummond, they may not receive as big of a return as they want since the big man's contract situation is scaring away teams. He has a $28.8 million player option for next season, which means he could become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2019-20 campaign if he opts out.

The 26-year-old Drummond is a two-time All-Star, and although he was not named an All-Star this season, he is enjoying another productive year with 17.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.

Andre Drummond Reel vs Cavs

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Drummond is also on pace to lead the NBA in rebounds per game for the third consecutive season and the fourth time in the past five years.

The Pistons have relied even more heavily than usual on Drummond  with Blake Griffin out injured (knee), and he has delivered. Because of the lack of talent and production around him, however, the Pistons are just 11th in the Eastern Conference at 18-33.

Since Detroit, which has the sixth-toughest schedule remaining, seems unlikely to reach the playoffs this season and could lose Drummond for nothing during the offseason, the smart play would be to cash in Drummond for assets provided there are no plans to sign him to an extension.

The Atlanta Hawks are one team known to be in the market for a center, and they were linked to Drummond recently. But ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Monday that talks between the Pistons and Hawks have "lost momentum."

Even if Drummond wants to test the market during the offseason, he could be an ideal fit for a contending team in need of a big-man rental.

The Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams in playoff position who could use a center, but it is unclear how willing or able any of them would be to take on Drummond's salary.

A package including a first-round pick and a player would probably be a good return for Drummond at this juncture, but the uncertainty regarding Drummond and his willingness to opt in for next season may take a first-round pick out of the equation for most teams.

If that is the case, the Pistons may face the dilemma of either trading Drummond for far less than what he is worth or gambling on him exercising his player option for 2020-21.