Andre Drummond Trade Rumors: Cavs, Raptors in Talks; Center to Be Held Out

The Cleveland Cavaliers are planning to sit center Andre Drummond as they explore trade scenarios ahead of the March 25 deadline.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst reported Monday that Cavs management spoke to Drummond and his agent, Jeff Schwartz, to inform them of the team's plans. Drummond will remain with the team but will be inactive for games.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Toronto Raptors and Cavs have been in discussions regarding a deal. However, Wojnarowski noted that no talks are considered serious at this time.

The Cavs are planning to move forward with Jarrett Allen as their franchise center, leaving Drummond as the odd man out despite his stellar production this season.

Drummond is averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while starting all 25 of his appearances for Cleveland this season. He came over from the Detroit Pistons via a midseason trade in the 2019-20 campaign.

Sitting Drummond more than a month ahead of the deadline seems to indicate the Cavs plan on moving him in the immediate future. The team has no plans on reaching a buyout, and he has performed well enough to generate interest around the league.

One issue could be Drummond's contract, which will limit his suitors. While teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers and other contenders have obvious holes at center and would be interested in acquiring Drummond, the finances of any deal make it an almost impossible proposition. He is making $28.8 million in the 2020-21 season.

The Raptors would have to trade four players (Aron Baynes, Norman Powell, Patrick McCaw and someone else) to make a deal wherein salaries match and they don't give up any of their major contributors. That's the case for nearly every contender, even if they can cobble together enough undesirable salary to get into matching range. Most contenders will have to find a third or even fourth team before considering a Drummond deal.

The upstart Charlotte Hornets may have the most realistic package (Cody Zeller, Malik Monk, Bismack Biyombo) and a desire to acquire Drummond given their current playoff status.

The Dallas Mavericks could be another team to watch given their disappointing start to the season and a potential desire to move Kristaps Porzingis to the 4 for defensive purposes. A package of James Johnson, Dwight Powell and draft picks would work under the cap.