Andre Drummond Reportedly Expected to Pick up Next Year's Option With Cavs in Wildly Surprising Move

Drummond will be battling for playing time with incumbent center Tristian Thompson.
Drummond will be battling for playing time with incumbent center Tristian Thompson. / Dave Reginek/Getty Images

During Thursday's hectic trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Detroit Pistons' big man and two-time All-Star Andre Drummond. The Cavs gave up nearly nothing in return, losing backups John Henson, Brandon Knight, and a second round pick.

Drummond could opt out of his contract after this season, making him a free agent. However, Drummond could now reportedly opt in to his $28.7 million contract for next season, securing his place in Cleveland's rotation for one more season.

This is big news for the Cavs, as they are essentially acquiring a better version of Tristian Thompson, their center of the past nine years, and are holding on to him for more than just half a year.

Cleveland's young guards now have a strong inside and lob threat which will help bring their assist numbers to more respectable numbers, which in turn will reflect better on the team when Drummond is considering his next move.

With a longer chance to impress Drummond, the Cavaliers could demonstrate how they are willing to let their young players make mistakes and grow. This may convince Drummond to stay, as there's no guarantee he'll fetch a deal richer than $28 million on the open market.