Facing the prospect of not making the playoffs, the Detroit Pistons are expected to make significant changes that likely will include moving out All-Star Andre Drummond. Reports said several teams have already expressed interest in acquiring the big man, deemed as one of the best in the NBA at the moment, but the Atlanta Hawks appear all set to grab.
The two clubs are thought to be in "serious talks" and the chance is high Drummond could be changing jersey before the February 6 deadline. The ongoing discussions have been described as at ownership level but an imminent deal is not yet in the cards, at least for the Pistons and the Hawks.
That could mean, Detroit can still shop around for the trade partner in the weeks to come in hopes of finding a suitable agreement.
According to ESPN, Drummond is expected to opt-out of his $29 million deal by the end of the season so the Pistons are making the necessary arrangements to get something in return in the event of the star's exit, which seemed inevitable.
"The Hawks have discussed sending a package that includes a 2020 first-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets and the salary-cap relief of expiring contracts for Detroit ... A potential deal would include other asset," the report claimed.
The 26-year-old Drummond remains an attractive acquisition and his record so far explains why NBA teams would chase after him. He is averaging 17.6 points per game in the season and is the king of the boards in the league, boasting of 15.8 rebounds in every appearance.
That is why it's unsurprising that Drummond could end up playing for the Celtics, the Mavericks or the Raptors. The last two are likely preferred by the big man as Bleacher Report said he is friendly with Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Lowry.
However, the report noted that the Hawks might prove a lure for Drummond despite the foregone conclusion is up for an early NBA exit.
"They have an impressive assortment of young talent that could lead to brighter and better days in the near future," the report said.
The likely scenario of Drummond's jump to Atlanta is through a trade deal in the weeks to come and then for his new team to offer an extension before the season's end. Of course, it should be a super-max that will beat out the competition.
To be sure, the Hawks will offer Drummond a deal that will be hard to refuse given he is acknowledged as the league's rebounding champion and will surely command a high price in the free agency market.
