NBA Rumors: Would It Be Wise For Drummond To Join A Contender?

There remains no closure on what the Cleveland Cavaliers plan to do with Andre Drummond.

The 27-year-old center is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current NBA season and is nowhere near signing a new deal with the Cavs, NBC Sports reported.

With that in mind, the usual recourse of teams is to make the most out of a scenario for them not to end up empty-handed. A trade is possible, but considering Drummond is owed slightly less than the original $28.7 million contract for the remainder of the season, teams would prefer to wait for a buyout first.

With his caliber, Drummond could be a target by souped-up teams who want to win it all this season. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are two teams that could swoop in, but only if a buyout happens. Technically, it would be a rental and the ninth overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft will likely end up moving in the offseason.

The Lakers have their share of woes this season in the center position. Marc Gasol has been struggling, and the purple and gold have been repeatedly mentioned as possibly taking in another center. Such a move would raise a howl but would likely make Los Angeles the ultimate favorite for the season.

However, it raises questions on playing time for the 6-foot-10 cager. He is a double-double machine that head coach Frank Vogel would want on the floor majority of the time. That means bad news for Gasol and other guys playing the slot, particularly Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris, although some adjustment is bound to be made.

The Nets could put him to good use, a team that needs a good center. DeAndre Jordan is there, but Drummond would give them a big boost. But fitting all these stars in one team raises questions, especially when it comes to ball sharing. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden will want the ball in their hands most, meaning Drummond would have to settle for scrap touches.

With his situation, it is something that Drummond could deal with at least until the end of the current season. He is a hard worker, and if he is to consider joining a team, the wise bet is a contender for now.

The story would differ by the 2021-22 season. But by then, he could have an official NBA ring, which could help jack up his asking price.