In a move that surprised nobody, center Andre Drummond decided to pick up his player option with Cleveland Cavaliers for 2020/21. Drummond, who joined the Cavs in February from Detroit Pistons, will earn $28.7 million next season.
Drummond’s decision was first reported by respected NY Times’ reporter Marc Stein.
Drummond managed to play eight games with the Cavaliers in 2019/20, averaging 17.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, before the NBA paused the season due to coronavirus pandemic. Considering their poor record at that point, the Cavs were not one of the teams that came back to action when the NBA resumed the competition.
It was widely expected that Andre Drummond would pick up his player option in recent months, but the uncertainty about his decision back in February was the thing that got him out of Detroit. At the time, Drummond hinted that he might opt-out and test the free agency, which prompted the Pistons to move him and avoid the risk of losing him for nothing in the summer.
However, the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic and Drummond’s outdated set of skills have made it quite possible that he wouldn’t be able to leverage a big deal he hoped for if he decided to become a free agent this summer. The 27-year-old player then decided to go with the safe option, securing himself at least one more year of superstar money.
Drummond made it to two All-Star games since being selected with No.9 pick by Pistons in 2012 and has led the NBA in rebounding in four different seasons. His career averages include 14.5 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
