Bulls' Andre Drummond Is a Perfect Celtics Trade Target amid Latest NBA Rumors | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
The Boston Celtics may have a sizeable lead in the Eastern Conference, but they may not allow Thursday's trade deadline to pass without at least trying to improve their roster.
Specifically, the Celtics would like to improve their bench without specifically shaking up their current group.
"The Celtics are looking to package some of their minimum contract players at the end of the rotation and draft pick compensation to bolster their bench heading into the playoffs, league sources told HoopsHype," Michael Scotto of Hoopshype wrote on Monday.
Scotto listed Kelly Olynyk, Delon Wright and Andre Drummond as players in whom Boston has shown interest. All three are on expiring contracts, which makes them logical trade targets for the Celtics.
Beginning next offseason, the NBA's new salary-cap restrictions will be in place. Teams over the second cap apron—Boston is projected to be well over with a salary of $209.2 million—will have fairly substantial trade limitations.
By taking on an expiring contract, the Celtics won't face the challenge of dumping another contract in the offseason.
Of the three players listed by Scotto, Drummond makes the most sense. As Scotto noted, Olynyk and Wright would "likely cost more" in a trade, whereas Drummond should be available for a much more reasonable package.
While the Chicago Bulls are still on the fringes of the playoff race, they're unlikely to make a serious run in the East. There's little reason to hang onto the 30-year-old Drummond or to make excessive trade demands.
Theoretically, Boston could send pick compensation to Chicago and take on Drummond's contract using the traded player exception.
Scotto noted that Boston is willing to part with end-of-the-rotation players, so using the TPE isn't the only option. However, it would give the Celtics some flexibility when it comes to sorting out their rotation for the home stretch.
One way or another, Boston would be left with fewer options if it is forced to facilitate a salary match.
And while Drummond is no longer an All-Star player, he's a very capable center who could bolster Boston's frontcourt. He's averaged just 15.8 minutes in 50 games this season but has also averaged an impressive 7.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
Drummond would provide some very valuable depth behind Kristaps Porziņģis, helping to strengthen the rotation without costing the Celtics a ton in trade compensation. His budget-friendly and expiring contract would also have virtually no impact on Boston's long-term plans.
If the Celtics do zero in on Drummond, though, they may have to make their move sooner than later. According to Scotto, the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers have also shown interest in Drummond.
The Houston Rockets "also considered making a run" at Drummond before landing Steven Adams, according to Scotto.
Given Drummond's ability to make an impact off the bench—especially as a rebounder—Chicago should have no shortage of potential trade partners Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline. The Celtics may have to act quickly before another team makes a more enticing offer.
