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Cavs Rumors: Raptors are interested in Andre Drummond

By Chad Porto

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The Cavs are being linked to trade rumors with the Raptors, which could potentially see Andre Drummond getting shipped up North.

Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers have grown tired of Andre Drummond’s offense inabilities. Talks of trades and buyouts have been long talked about and while the talk of a buyout is less enticing, many didn’t think a trade could happen due to Drummond’s contract. Then Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer said the Raptors are interested in Drummond.

Oh, this could get interesting.

O’Connor (via Bleacher Report) is naming the Raptors as one of the teams that the 10-15 Cavs could match up with to move the two-time All-Star center.

The problem with making this trade work is the fact that the Raptors really don’t have the salary to match Drummond unless they wanted to gut their bench. In order to make the deal work, the Raptors would need to send Norman Powell, Aron Baynes, Patrick McCaw, and Stanely Johnson to Cleveland in exchange for Drummond.

That just doesn’t seem like a deal worth doing just to get rid of Drummond. A buyout makes more sense than taking on some of those contracts. Now, a better trade that would help the Cavs contend this year, is a straight-up trade of Drummond for the Raptors guard, Kyle Lowry.

That trade seems harder to pull off due to Lowry’s fit with what the Raptors are doing.

There’s no talk yet if Lowry is even being considered for the trade but the move would be perfect for Cleveland. They need a pass-first, defensive-minded point guard to run the Cavs’ offense and Lowry is the perfect veteran presence to help guild the Cavs to the playoffs.

The Raptors would then probably move Fred VanFleet over to point guard and adjust the lineup as necessary. The move would help Toronto, who is currently 8th in team offensive efficiency according to TeamRankings, while Cleveland is 30th; however, the Raptors are 16th defensively, while Cleveland is 18th.

The difference defensively is the Cavs have three bigs, Larry Nance Jr., Javale McGee, and Jarrett Allen that can provide a great interior defense. They suffer defensively at the guard spot. Trading Lowry for Drummond is a rare move where both teams can win.

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