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Detroit Pistons: Trading Andre Drummond best for everyone

By Bob Heyrman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors takes a shot past Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Toronto won the game 105-92.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors takes a shot past Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Toronto won the game 105-92.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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As the February 6th NBA trade deadline swiftly approaches, the Detroit Pistons who were expected to be very active have yet to make a move.  Moving center Andre Drummond should remain a priority.

Sure, Andre Drummond is a staple in the Detroit Pistons lineup.  He’s a favorite of owner Tom Gores.  That certainly complicates things for acting general manager Ed Stefanski but Gores’ did mention he’d be willing to embrace a full rebuild if that’s what it will take for Detroit to return to being once again relevant.

The Detroit Pistons initially selected Andre Drummond with the 9th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.  The 26-year old currently earns $27-million this season and owns a player option for next season worth $28-million.

Just before the start of the regular season, Andre Drummond mentioned he was excited to go through the free-agent process, indicating he’d likely opt out of the final year of his current deal.  Those comments alone should light a fire under Ed Stefanski to find a trade partner for Andre.

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Rumors have circulated over the last few weeks with multiple teams ‘kicking the tires’ on Andre Drummond.  The Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers have all inquired.

Surely Ed Stefanski is sitting, waiting for a first-round pick in exchange for Andre. Still, perhaps the Detroit Pistons would be wise to settle for a package of picks even if it’s just multiple second-round choices and expiring contracts to make the money work in a deal.

There is a worst-case scenario that continues to creep into my mind.  What if Andre Drummond realizes the lack of interest at the trade deadline and eventually opts into his $28-million deal for next season, in turn, prolonging a much needed Detroit Pistons rebuild for another season.

Can we take another season of spotty efforts?  Or a guy begging for the ball down low while trailing late in the fourth quarter by double-digits just to pad another double-double? Is it fair for the fans to experience another season of Andre Drummond trying to run the floor with what appears to be a piano strapped to his back? Please, no.

Andre Drummond has plenty of talent, but having the ability isn’t enough, we expect effort and not just here and there, full effort all the time.  How many times does Andre miss a put-back and turn to an official wanting a foul that wasn’t called while the ball goes down the floor with the Detroit Pistons on the wrong end of a five on four?  All the time.

Sure, Andre Drummond is a double-double machine, but he’s the equivalent of a quarterback trailing in the fourth quarter by three scores racking up a bunch of passing yards vs. a defense playing soft coverage. Or a goal scorer that’s accounted for 20 goals, but 8 were scored on an empty net.  A lot of his production comes late in basketball games when the game has already been decided, similar to the Pistons/Raptors matchup this past January 31st when Andre produced a 20/20 game.

I believe Drummond would excel as a teams’ third option on a club with capable outside shooters.  Imagine if Andre realized he could play on the New Jersey Nets next year with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.  He’d need to understand he’s the third option, maybe take a pay cut somewhere around $20 million rather than seeking $30 million.  He should look to join a team with a couple of superstars already in place, play defense, rebound the basketball, and understand he can score 20 any given night, but defer more to someone who can bury a three.

I get it, he isn’t going to opt OUT of $28 million to take $20 next season, but as he ages, if he wants to win, it’s something he needs to consider.  He’s not an elite center; he’s a very good center.  Very good center’s in today’s NBA shouldn’t receive a max contract even on below-average teams.

The Andre defenders will mention that the Detroit Pistons haven’t been healthy all season.  He’s surrounded by below-average talent, and you have a point, but what did a relatively healthy club land you last season?

Exactly.

Sure Blake was injured when Detroit was competing against Milwaulkee, but Detroit needed Blake Griffin to will the team into a playoff position.  Paying Drummond this much money will continue to be problematic for the organization.

Next. Kobe Bryant gone much too soon. dark

As of now, he’d greatly benefit from a change of scenery.  A trade will also help the Detroit Pistons by signaling a wholesale rebuild and wouldn’t run the risk of Andre potentially opting in for another season.

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