Andre Drummond floated as potential trade target for Celtics
The Boston Celtics have an open roster spot heading into the February 8 trade deadline. They also have a $6.2 million trade exception courtesy of the Grant Williams sign-and-trade during the offseason. As such, Brad Stevens has some wiggle room to continue improving one of the best rosters in the NBA.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, one player Boston could potentially have an interest in is Andre Drummond. The veteran big man has been making a big impression for the Chicago Bulls this season as he’s stepped into their rotation when Nikola Vucevic has missed games due to injury.
“Drummond, an obvious trade candidate should the Bulls ever blow it up, would offer some paint protection to a center mix that might need more insurance given Kristaps Porziņģis’ injury issues and Al Horford’s age (37),” Buckley reasoned.
Drummond is earning $3.3 million this season and would easily fit into the Celtics trade exception. However, given his recent production and the face he’s on an expiring contract, it may be difficult to convince the Bulls to part ways with the rebounding machine.
Celtics Lab 234: Why Boston is probably not making big moves at the deadline with Yossi Gozlan https://t.co/9NpXe6Z7Wn pic.twitter.com/UWS6iJ9Hct
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 2, 2024
Despite being in his 12th NBA season, Drummond, 30, still has plenty left in the tank and can be a viable backup big man for multiple years to come. He’s currently averaging 7 points and 8.1 rebounds in 34 games for Chicago. Given his size and physicality, Drummond could be the ideal addition for when the Celtics play imposing teams like the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
However, Stevens may prefer to convert Neemias Queta‘s contract into a full-time deal as a reward for his recent good play. Still, if a championship is the goal, Drummond’s experience could prove invaluable off the bench.
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