KEY POINTS

  • Andre Drummond does not want to leave Detroit
  • Pistons may revisit Andre Drummond trade talks
  • Drummond is expected to still be pursued by several NBA teams

Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons knows that NBA trade rumors are part of his life for as long as he is playing active ball. And with his team currently underperforming, it comes to no surprise that his name has cropped in possible deals before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

In a previous post, the Pistons have reportedly escalated talks involving the 26-year-old center. One team that would welcome Drummond is the Atlanta Hawks - a team in the cellar of the Eastern Conference Division. Aside from Atlanta, other teams allegedly inquiring include the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors.

Aside from the fact that the Pistons tote a woeful 13-24 win-loss record. It is mathematically possible for Detroit to make the top eight and play in the postseason but changes may be needed. Aside from Drummond, the name of Blake Griffin has also been mentioned in potential NBA trade rumors.

Aware of the talk going around in the NBA, Drummond spoke on it and said that he was no quitter. He wants to finish what he started in the Motor City - that of which is to help the franchise win a championship. Aside from that, he said that he loved being in Detroit, ESPN reported.

Looking at his numbers, Drummond is not performing badly. He is averaging 17.5 points, 15.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks in 34 games. If his production is to be checked, it makes no sense for the Pistons to give him up. Then again, there is the future to worry about.

Drummond holds a player option next NBA season and pundits feel that he will opt-out. Of course, Detroit can still keep him by dangling a bigger salary. But with his potential, there is no question that the 6-foot-10 cager could be worth a whole lot more. Hence, a worry of the Pistons is they may end up empty-handed.

However, Detroit may want to revisit that plan to trade off the 9th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft. Perhaps trading away other players and making Drummond the new cornerstone will work. Though he did not directly say it, it appears Drummond wants to stay in the Motor City and moving elsewhere does not seem to be among his plans. But then again, all that could change depending on how far the Pistons go this 2019-20 season.

Andre Drummond Reggie Jackson
Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson, pictured at Quicken Loans Arena on April 17, 2016 in Cleveland, could both be traded by the Detroit Pistons at the right price. Getty Images