MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 14: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to an officials call during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 14, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

The Detroit Pistons are escalating discussions with several teams about a trade involving All-Star center Andre Drummond, including serious recent talks with the Atlanta Hawks, league sources told ESPN.

The Hawks have discussed sending a package that includes a 2020 first-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets and the salary-cap relief of expiring contracts for Detroit, league sources said. A potential deal would include other assets.

There’s an increasing belief inside and outside the Pistons organization that a Drummond deal is growing in likelihood prior to the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, league sources said.

The Pistons-Hawks discussions have included ownership levels with both teams, but no ideal is considered imminent, league sources said.

Detroit is preparing for Drummond, 26, to decline his $29 million option on the 2020-21 season and become a free agent, league sources said. Pistons owner Tom Gores has long been a strong advocate of Drummond’s, but there’s an increased movement in the organization to use Drummond as a trade asset to begin creating some salary-cap flexibility for the future, league sources said.

Drummond could possibly command another max contract on the free-agent market — or with the team that trades for him.

The Pistons are committed through the 2022 season on the $76 million owed Blake Griffin in the final two years of his contract, and his injury history makes trading him a difficult scenario.

Drummond is averaging 17.6 points and a league-best 15.8 rebounds per game for the Pistons, who drafted him in 2012.

Courtesy: ESPN.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here