The Cleveland Cavaliers no longer plan to play Andrew Drummond as they work to switch center All-Star twice before the NBA’s March 25 deadline, sources told ESPN.
The Cavaliers are moving in the direction of turning Jarrett Allen into the franchise’s long-term starting center and believe it is unfair for Drummond to limit his minutes while the organization prioritizes Allen’s development, the sources.
The general manager of the Cavaliers, Koby Altman, Discussed the move with Drummond and his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, and together they decided that the center would remain on the team but would no longer be active for the games, according to sources.
Drummond did not play in the Cavaliers ’loss to the Clippers on Sunday night, and that will continue Monday against the Golden State Warriors and into the future. The Cavs said Drummond missed Sunday’s game to rest and came into the game with a sweatshirt with the word “goodbye” on the front.
When contacted Monday morning, Schwartz did not confirm or deny the version, but told ESPN: “Whatever direction he takes, Andre is 27, he is at his best and I firmly believe he has a lot to add to any team towards a postseason run “.
Drummond is playing with a contract that expires this season for $ 28.7 million, making equalizing salaries in an exchange a huge challenge. He has averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds this season in 25 games as a starter. Sources have indicated that there are several teams interested in him and that the Cavaliers will work to find a favorable exchange for the parties.
On the other hand, there was no discussion about a contract purchase that could allow Drummond to become a free agent, the sources said.
Drummond’s future with the Cavs was clouded last month when Cleveland traded for 22-year-old Allen, who became the center of the future for the franchise. Drummond will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, while Allen will be a restricted free agent.
Allen has played well in 15 games with the Cavs, averaging 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. The Cleveland Coach, JB Bickerstaff, Recently moved Allen to the starting eleven.
A multi-game experiment playing Drummond and Allen together was unsuccessful as the Cavs plummeted in ca results as they are on a seven-game losing streak. Kevin Love, who has been out since December due to a calf injury, is expected to return this week.