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The Cleveland Cavaliers had an eventful trade deadline albeit a surprising one. While most experts and fans expected them to move Tristan Thompson and/or possibly Kevin Love, GM Koby Altman moved neither. Instead he pulled a stunner by sending the expiring contracts of Brandon Knight and John Henson along with a 2023 second round pick to the Detroit Pistons for two time all-star center Andre Drummond.
Drummond is in the midst of his best statistical season of his eight year NBA career. He is currently averaging 17.8 points, 15.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Drummond gives the Cavaliers a legit defensive presence in the middle. The hope is that he can provide help on the defensive end for young guards Darius Garland and Collin Sexton who are currently rated as the poorest starting defensive back court in the league. Drummond will make $22.1 million this season and holds a $28.8 million dollar player option for the 2020/2021 season which he will most likely exercise.
So where does this leave the Cavaliers in the midst of a rebuild?
The Cavaliers front office knew going into this season that there would be plenty of growing pains. They are currently giving rotation minutes to 19-year old Kevin Porter Jr. to go along with a starting back court of 20-year old Darius Garland and 21-year old Collin Sexton. They also employed 67-year old and longtime NCAA coach John Beilein as a first year NBA head coach. After getting off to a 4-5 start the team has since gone 9-34. They rank 23rd in offensive rating (106.9) and 29th in defensive rating (115.7) in the NBA.
The Andre Drummond trade was about becoming more competitive. Altman decided by adding Drummond and keeping Love that it would help the young players develop through playing competitive basketball. He stressed this point in his meeting with the media Friday morning.
“I think it’s hard to go completely young and non-competitive,” said Altman. That’s not what we are about. I tell our coaching staff and our players every game to go out there and play to win. That’s why Kevin Love is so important to have around. He helps them be successful. And I think the Andre Drummond piece helps even more.”
The Cavaliers front office and coaching staff will use these final 30 games to evaluate how the young guards play with Drummond. His pick and roll game should help both Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. He will be a rolling lob threat for both Garland and Sexton. The most underrated part of his game might be his passing skills which can help in finding guys like Sexton and Porter slashing to the basket. There is also hope that Drummond can provide help on the defensive end for young guards Darius Garland and Collin Sexton who are currently rated as the poorest starting defensive back court in the league. He and Love should compliment each other well, and both are excited to be playing along side each other. Love addressed the trade today at practice.
http://https://youtu.be/r31fKXGSKXc
What about the plethora of bigs the Cavaliers now possess?
It will be interesting to see how coach Beilein distributes the minutes in the front court. One can assume that Drummond will start as soon as their next game Sunday vs the Clippers. Tristan Thompson will be the one negatively affected my the trade as he moves to a backup role playing less minutes. There was a rumor that Thompson was going to ask the Cavaliers for a contract buyout but that was quickly shot down. Thompson like Love is also happy to see Drummond in a Cavaliers uniform. Larry Nance Jr. will continue to backup Love at the four spot.
While Thompson will remain with the Cavaliers for the balance of the season, the Drummond move makes it a foregone conclusion that he will be moving on after this season, The Cavaliers will look to move Thompson in a sign-and-trade deal this off-season. Doing so will allow Thompson to get the most money in a new contract and will bring assets back to Cleveland. If Drummond and Love play well together these final 30 games you may see Love stick around beyond this year and the Cavaliers switch gears into making a run at a playoff spot.
Other Notes:
- The Cavaliers signed swingman Alfonzo McKinnie to a 4-year, $7 million dollar contract on Friday. McKinnie was playing on his second 10-day contract. In 35 games this season he is averaging 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. He has become the Cavaliers best wing defender.
- The Cavaliers now have an open roster spot that they could fill with a young player from the G-League
- Center Marques Bolden’s 10-day contract expires this weekend.
Kevin Sledz is a sports writer for KEE On Sports Media Group. He has over 5 years of writing experience for various outlets. Kevin also has experience in media with Redline Radio LLC also serving as beat writer for the Canton Charge. Follow Kevin on Twitter @LANDSPORTPOD
