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Charlotte Hornets: Analyzing B/Rs trade proposal for Andre Drummond

By Giovanni Spillman

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 12: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the Atlanta Hawks bench during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 129-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 12: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the Atlanta Hawks bench during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 129-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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As the Charlotte Hornets continue deeper into the 2020-2021 season, some believe they need to upgrade the center position. Bleacher Report suggested the Hornets as a trade partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Andre Drummond. So far this season, Drummond has averaged 17.5 points,13.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.

In this trade, the Hornets would send Malik Monk, Cody Zeller, and Bismack Biyombo to Cleveland. While the Hornets are giving up one of their big scorers off the bench, the Hornets would also be giving up three expiring contracts.

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Monk is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, while Zeller and Biyombo will be unrestricted. The Hornets would take on Drummond’s $28.7 million contract, which expires at the end of the season.

This trade would give the Hornets a defensive anchor in the paint. Drummond’s ability to defend and rebound would help the Hornets on many levels. The Hornets could stop relying heavily on playing a lot of zone defense stop playing a lot of zone defense and his ability to defend the paint would assist the team in three-point defense.

The Hornets do not have a strong rim protector at the moment, acquiring Drummond would solve that problem.

This trade makes sense if the Hornets want a big that can consistently rebound. However, losing Monk off the bench would likely hurt the team’s bench production.

Bleacher Report also cited that Drummond would be a great option to start next to PJ Washington. Both players like to crash for rebound and share the basketball. Drummond would be a good mentor to Washington.

Drummond can also score in the paint and he excels in the pick-and-roll game. He would be a fun option for LaMelo Ball in the paint. Currently, Drummond is shooting the worst percentage from the field in his career but should improve in that category with the Hornets. The Hornets have better scoring options on the roster than the Cavaliers and it should create more high percentage shots for Drummond.

This trade is not without risk. Drummond will be a free agent at the end of the season. Drummond will want to get paid in the offseason, whether the Hornets will meet his price or not will determine if he’ll be a long-term fix or a rental.

The Hornets have a chance to go after him because the Cavaliers want to trade him. Drummond will not play again this season until the Cavaliers find a trade for him.

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