The New York Knicks have had internal discussions about signing Cavaliers big man Andre Drummond to a multi-year deal, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The scenario would require a buyout by the Cleveland Cavaliers, which is a strong possibility. ESPN also got wind of the potential trade market for the big man from Cavaliers GM Koby Altman.
“Cleveland is starting to gauge the trade market, but there are no serious ongoing discussions with any team,” Altman said. With $28.7 million dollars left on an expiring contract, it isn’t surprising that trade scenarios are limited.
A buyout might be more likely, which would give the Knicks the opportunity to snag some depth at center. He’s not a flashy option, but getting Drummond on an affordable, multi-year deal could prove helpful. He averages 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 25 games this season.
Mitch Return? ‘There’s still no set timetable’
It’s no secret that the Knicks struggle to put up points at center. Drummond could offer those offensive skills that Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel lack at an affordable price. On top of that, Robinson’s timetable to return from a fractured right hand remains unclear.
“There’s still no set timetable,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said late last week. “He’s starting to do more. We’re probably a little ways away. But the conditioning, he’s been very diligent in putting extra work in. The basketball part, he hasn’t been able to scrimmage or anything like that. But he’s handling the ball with his left hand and doing a lot of running.”
Though it’s unlikely a team gives up any interesting assets in a deal for Drummond, the Knicks are monitoring the situation. Shams has been reporting the Knicks’ interest in Drummond as far back as January of last year.
Knicks fans know all-to-well what Drummond brings to the table offensively after dropping 33 points and 23 rebounds on New York in January. Everything boils down to price, though. The Knicks have remained cautious in the trade market and free agency thus far. Expect New York to stay prudent in their pursuit of Drummond, because signing him won’t make or break what they’re building at MSG.
Stay tuned to knicksfantv.com for the latest Knicks news and rumors throughout the season and as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
