CLEVELAND — It appears Andre Drummond's time with the Cleveland Cavaliers has come to an end. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Cavs have decided to sit the two-time All-Star center as they attempt to trade him before the March 25 NBA trade deadline.
As for where Cleveland might deal Drummond, at least one suitor has already emerged. Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Cavs are currently engaged in talks with the Toronto Raptors, who are spending the 2020-21 NBA season playing in Tampa Bay due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
That Cleveland would be looking to trade Drummond hardly comes as a surprise following its acquisition of Jarrett Allen in last month's four-way trade that sent James Harden from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets. In 25 games -- all starts -- this season, the 27-year-old Drummond has averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds.
Acquired from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for the expiring contracts of Brandon Knight and John Henson last February, Drummond appeared in eight games for the Cavs last season before the coronavirus pandemic prematurely ended their 2019-20 campaign. Cleveland had gotten off to a promising early start in Drummond's second season, but has since fallen to 10-18 while suffering seven consecutive losses heading into Monday night's matchup with the Golden State Warriors.
Citing rest, Drummond didn't play in the Cavs' 128-111 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. With Drummond no longer in the lineup, Allen is likely to continue as Cleveland's new starting center, with veteran JaVale McGee moving into the backup role.
