Cavs, Drummond reach buyout agreement
The Cleveland Cavaliers reached a buyout agreement on the final year of Andre Drummond's contract, the Cavs general manager Koby Altman announced Friday.
The veteran center, who's been a prolific rebounder despite playing on teams with limited success, will become a free agent.
"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," Altman said in a statement. "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."
The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets are among the franchises that will pitch offers to Drummond, Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported Thursday night.
The Cavaliers acquired Drummond from the Detroit Pistons at the 2020 trade deadline, parting with reserves John Henson and Brandon Knight as well as a future second-round pick to evaluate the former two-time All-Star's long-term fit.
Drummond's camp was evidently unimpressed with the market for his services last offseason. The 27-year-old exercised his $28.8-million player option to remain with the rebuilding Cleveland side for the 2020-21 campaign instead of seeking a long-term deal as an unrestricted free agent.
The big man averaged 17.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game with the Cavs dating back to last year, but the club still decided to bench Drummond in mid-February while assessing potential trades or buyout options.