CLEVELAND – Center Andre Drummond is now a free agent and can sign with a rival team after getting a purchase from the Cavaliers.
Drummond, who has not played since mid-February, began negotiating the terms of the purchase with Cavs on Thursday after the club did not negotiate with the 27-year-old before the deadline.
The deal ends a partnership that became difficult when Cavs put Drummond on the bench to give young center Jarrett Allen more playing time.
Despite losing his role on the team, Drummond, twice an All-Star with the Detroit Pistons before coming to Cleveland last year, remained involved with his teammates and did not become a distraction. He used to sit among Cavs’ coaches during games, offering tips and encouragement.
“I want to thank Andre for his contributions to our team on and off the court and for his professionalism and mutual cooperation as we navigated this process with him and his representation,” said general manager Koby Altman. “We have a lot of respect for Andre as a person and player here in Cleveland and we are happy to have achieved a result that is in the best interest of Andre and our team.”
One of the NBA’s best rebounds and proven top scorer, Drummond was hired for $ 28.7 million this season and is expected to attract the interest of several competing teams.
He averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in 25 games before the Cavs decided to give Allen most of the playing time.
Drummond made it to the playoffs twice with the Pistons, who selected him with the ninth overall pick in 2012.