Multiple Top Teams Bidding For Bulls’ Former All-Star
Coming down the home stretch of the NBA’s trade deadline in eight days, an unusual suspect has entered the conversation for the most coveted Chicago Bull. While all the talk has surrounded Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso, a new candidate has captured the league’s interest and may be on the move. Who’s the hidden gem on Chicago’s roster, and how likely is a trade before next Thursday’s deadline?
Andre Drummond’s Not-So-Secret Value To A Contender
When he arrived in Chicago on a short-term deal last season, Drummond immediately showed a new level of versatility. Having been an All-Star and consistent starter for the better part of his ten-year career leading to the Bulls, 2022 was the first time he’d signed up for a reserve role. Being out of the rotation at times, with limited action in sporadic stretches, his ability to rebound and finish on the interior were staples of his game. Finding comfort in the Windy City, he opted to return this season and has seen a similarly random role for the team in 2023. When Nikola Vucevic fell to injury, he took the league by storm with his immediate impact in a starting spot.
During his seven starts in Vucevic’s absence, Drummond averaged over 14 points and 17 rebounds per contest, alongside over 57% shooting from the field. While he probably cannot be relied on to pace these numbers over an entire season anymore, it was an abrupt reminder for the whole NBA that he’s still capable of rebounding with the best.
Thunder, Suns, Lakers All Tied To Drummond
The first candidate seeking size off the bench is the Western Conference third-place Oklahoma City Thunder. 28th in rebounding and 29th in offensive rebounding as a team, the Thunder could certainly use Drummond’s rebounding ability to retain more possessions on a nightly basis as they seek a championship run through the gauntlet that is the West.
A similarly poor rebounding team, the Phoenix Suns could target Chicago’s veteran center for his size and inside finishing abilities. Still looking for the best formula to surround their big three, Drummond played with Kevin Durant for a stretch in Brooklyn a few seasons ago and could make for a good fit off the pine. Hosting a bidding war between Western Conference foes will be the most effective usage of assets for the Bulls.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls have been tied via nearly the entire roster this season. Whether it be LaVine, DeRozan, Caruso, or now Drummond, a trade between the Lakers and Bulls seems inevitable. Drummond’s cheap price tag and effectiveness without the risk of losing much value on the court could add an inside presence that the Lakers sorely lacked versus Denver during last season’s postseason series. Trying to solve the previous year’s champion is the top priority of Los Angeles, and taming MVP Nikola Jokic tops the list of problems they present.
As much of a fan favorite as Andre Drummond has become in Chicago, gaining future assets for a player who can contribute to championship-level basketball sounds like a win-win scenario for the Bulls’ future and Drummond’s career. Watch for traction amongst contenders to continue to raise as the deadline nears.