CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers are planing to keep center Andre Drummond on the bench while the team attempts to find a trade for him before the deadline in March, according to multiple reports.
Reporting with @WindhorstESPN: The Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer planning to play center Andre Drummond as they work to trade the two-time All-Star prior to the NBA’s March 25th deadline, sources told ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021
AP source confirms #Cavs will sit center Andre Drummond while pursuing a trade. Person said "nothing imminent" on any deal.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) February 15, 2021
First reported by @woj and @WindhorstESPN
According to reports, the decision to keep Drummond inactive for games is part of the transition to see recently acquired center Jarrett Allen take on the role as the Cavs long-term starter at the position.
Drummond did not play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers after the team kept him out for rest, and while he was on the sideline, the center came out almost tellingly wearing a sweater that said "farewell" on the front.
As the team searches the market for a trade for Drummond, the center will reportedly remain with the team.
Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman discussed the move with Drummond and his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, and decided together that Drummond would remain with the team, but would no longer be active for games, sources said. https://t.co/MTBjXh8fvP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021
The Cavs will have until March 25 at 3 p.m., the NBA trade deadline, to deal Drummond.
Cleveland acquired Drummond near the trade deadline last year. In exchange for the two-time All-Star, the Cavaliers sent Brandon Knight, John Henson and a second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons. Drummond exercised his his $28.7 million contract option in November to stay with the team this season.
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