CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers couldn't find a trade partner for center Andre Drummond before the NBA trade deadline Thursday and have since reached a buyout agreement, the team announced on Friday.
Drummond and the Cavs reached the agreement Friday, and the team has requested waivers on him.
“I want to thank Andre for his contributions to our team both on and off the court, and for his professionalism and mutual cooperation as we navigated through this process with him and his representation,” said Cavs General Manager Koby Altman. “We have great respect for Andre as a person and a player here in Cleveland, and we are happy to have reached an outcome that is in the best interest of both Andre and our team. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
Drummond had not played since Feb. 12 as the Cavs benched him while attempting to find a trade for him, which ultimately did not come to fruition despite the reported interest from teams such as the Knicks and the Lakers.
The Lakers and Nets have been seen as front runners in a buyout scenario with Drummond and will now have their shot at landing the veteran center.
In the 25 games Drummond did play for the Cavs this season, he averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game.
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 $28.7 million contract option in November to stay with the team this season.
In his nine seasons in the NBA, Drummond has appeared in 624 games with career averages of 14.6 points per game, shooting .538 from the field with 13.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks in 30.9 minutes.
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