According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Bulls big man Andre Drummond is “looking for a new team” this summer.
What remains to be seen, however, is what direction do the Bulls go? Do they prepare for DeMar DeRozan possibly leaving in free agency or if he does return — the more likely scenario — draft his heir apparent at the small forward position? Do they grab a big to replace the expected vacancy with Andre Drummond looking for a new team, as well as some youth to push starter Nikola Vucevic?
Drummond has spent the last two seasons with Chicago and was a popular trade candidate during the 2023-24 regular season. Ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, reports indicated the Bulls nearly traded Drummond to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers believed they had a trade done to acquire Bulls center Andre Drummond before Chicago pulled out of talks hours before the deadline, league sources told HoopsHype. The Bulls wanted three second-round picks for Drummond, league sources said.
Ultimately, the big man stayed with the team all season and is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Last season, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. Additionally, he shot 55.6% from the field in 79 games played.
Andre Drummond is expected to look for a new team, per @JCowleyHoops
“What remains to be seen, however, is what direction do the Bulls go? Do they prepare for DeMar DeRozan possibly leaving in free agency or if he does return — the more likely scenario — draft his heir apparent… pic.twitter.com/SLTivafbn3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 16, 2024
Former NBA All-Star Expected to Leave Chicago Bulls
What Andre Drummond Brings to the Table
Although he has played 12 NBA seasons, Drummond is still just 30 years old. It has been a while since Drummond’s All-Star campaign with the Detroit Pistons since 2018. However, he still has a lot of basketball in the tank. The UConn product remains one of the most tenacious rebounders in the NBA. Furthermore, he is still a high-energy player and can provide a boost off the bench. Drummond is still one of the league’s most traditional centers, which is still valuable in the NBA.
Six NBA Teams Had Interest in Andre Drummond at the Trade Deadline
In addition to the 76ers, five other teams reportedly pursued Drummond at the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns all monitored Drummond’s status with Chicago. Additionally, Scotto noted the Houston Rockets were interested before acquiring Steven Adams from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Drummond has drawn trade interest from the 76ers, Celtics, Mavericks, Lakers and Suns, league sources told HoopsHype. The Rockets also considered making a run at Drummond before acquiring Steven Adams.
With Drummond now a free agent, it will be interesting to see if any of these teams will pursue him once again.
The Last Word
At this stage in his career, Drummond is still a solid center. It is unlikely he will ever reach his All-Star level of play again, but he can still provide useful minutes to a championship contender.
