Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Long interest in Andre Drummond continues
It appears that Andre Drummond is on the Charlotte Hornets’ radar once again after a dominant start to the 2019-20 regular season.
It’s November 22nd, and the trade rumors are already flowing throughout the NBA. The Charlotte Hornets are the center of the most recent trade/free agency rumor, which involves Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond.
Drummond is a name that Charlotte fans may be familiar with, considering the Hornets had strong trade interest in him last season. Plus, of course, he’s killed the Hornets nearly every time they match-up.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Charlotte Hornets once again have interest in Andre Drummond. Whether it’s via trade or via free agency this upcoming off-season, the Hornets are prepared to make a run at the two time All-Star.
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Deveney is a trusted source when it comes to news around the NBA, so this is certainly not something to simply brush under the rug.
It will be interesting to see whether or not the Hornets attempt to trade for Drummond, or simply attempt to sign him when he becomes a free agent. Drummond has a $28 million player option for the 2020-21 season, but has made it well known that he is going to hit the open market.
The thing is, Drummond will have plenty of suitors. In a relatively weak free agency class, Drummond is right at the top of the list of players that are available. Charlotte isn’t an attractive destination for free agents, so they may prefer trading for him and convincing him to re-sign.
Drummond is averaging 18.6 points, 16.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 blocks for the Pistons during the first 14 games of the season. He’s been the teams best player, but you have to wonder if he becomes available for trade after Detroit’s slow start to the season and lackluster future.
He’s a walking double-double that would finally give Charlotte a legit presence inside. He’d give the Hornets star power in the front court; something they have lacked over the past few seasons.
Charlotte will have cap space to target him in free agency, but also have assets if they decide a trade is the best route. Do they trade for Drummond and make a push for a final playoff spot in the weak Eastern Conference? Or do they keep developing talent as a top priority and likely finish lottery bound?
Let’s remember, a trade for Drummond will likely have to include at least one young player and at least one first round draft pick. For a team like Charlotte, losing young talent and draft picks could potentially be crippling.
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Drummond is an elite talent that would be a tremendous fit for the Charlotte Hornets, but trying to decide between trading for him or signing him will be difficult for Mitch Kupchak and his staff. There’s pros and cons on both sides.