David Zalubowski / Associated Press
The New York Knicks emerged as a “serious potential destination” for Andre Drummond ahead of the NBA’s negotiation deadline on Thursday.
Kevin O’Connor The Ringer reported the Knicks’ interest in the Cleveland Cavaliers big shot. Conventional wisdom made the Cavs reach a purchase agreement with Drummond after the deadline. Drummond has not been on the schedule for more than a month, as Cleveland has had apparently unsuccessful business negotiations with other organizations.
The Knicks have about $ 17 million in wage cap space available, making their way to add Drummond via negotiation clearer than any other NBA team. They still don’t have much in terms of the obvious equivalent salary to add to the $ 11 million needed to match Drummond’s $ 28 million salary.
A combination of Frank Ntilikina, Nerlens Noel and another contract would do the trick, but it’s hard to find the encouragement from Knicks’ perspective. Drummond would bring an offensive production and recover in the middle of the attack. That said, his presence would take a significant amount of time out of Mitchell Robinson, who recently returned from a broken hand.
The 22-year-old is a cornerstone of potential defense, especially if he reaches his potential under Tom Thibodeau. Drummond is who he is – an excellent rebounder and dunker who delivers largely empty calorie numbers in the modern NBA. If the Knicks manage to negotiate players who are not part of their long-term planning for Drummond, it is a good move to add a veteran to Thibodeau’s desired playoff push.
However, it is probably not the most prudent move in the long run if the Knicks are committed to Robinson’s continued development.