With the NBA trade deadline less than 24 hours away, the New York Knicks have several internal conflicts regarding a potential trade for center Andre Drummond. Drummond is currently featuring on the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the team has currently been Tim as a try to work a trade out before the deadline. Averaging 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and averaging 28.9 minutes per game, there is still value to the veteran big man.
While Drummond is essentially useless as a shooter and hosts a terrible free-throw conversion rate (.597), he is still fantastic in the paint and dominant around the rim.
While his services might benefit the Knicks for the remainder of the season, giving up assets for him might be a bit of a reach.
Per Ian Begley of SNY:
There is at least one prominent voice among the Knicks who is in favor of acquiring Drummond. But, per SNY sources, a majority of organization doesn’t see Drummond as a fit.
Several reports linked Andre Drummond and the Knicks. But, as of earlier this week, there hadn’t been a significant push to acquire Drummond. More here: https://t.co/AaAdPnD9t8
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 24, 2021
As of earlier this week, the Knicks were hesitant toward acquiring Drummond, but things might be changing as the hours close in on the deadline. Kevin O’Connor believes that New York is emerging as a serious contender for Andre, who is still a capable player at 27 years old.
Sources: The New York Knicks have emerged as a serious potential destination for Cavaliers big man Andre Drummond.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) March 24, 2021
Conflicting reports doesn’t offer us any clarity regarding the situation, and there is reason to believe the Knicks might not make a big splash at all before the deadline. They have been connected to various of names, including Bradley Beal, Lonzo Ball, and more.
Drummond seems like the more realistic of the bunch, considering Cleveland is trying to get rid of him for a measly place since they will likely release him alternatively. He is due $28.7 million this season, but with the Knicks having about $15 million available in salary cap space, they could theoretically make the trade work. They would have to move about $14 million to acquire Drummond, and while they have the funds, it becomes a matter of chemistry and if he’s even worth acquiring.
Tom Thibodeau likes his pairing of Mitchell Robinson and Nerlens Noel, and adding a player who will undoubtedly steal minutes could be like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.