Boston Celtics: Trading for Andre Drummond could hurt team

The Boston Celtics are reportedly interested in the Detroit Pistons’ Andre Drummond, who has recently hit the trade block.

Over the years, the Boston Celtics have put together some pretty great and successful teams. This season for example, the C’s were able to land Kemba Walker and surround their young and talented team with one of the best point guards in the league. The only key element missing for the C’s is a dominant force of a big man to hold down the center position.

Let’s look at what Andre Drummond would provide to the Celtics.

Something the C’s need is production on both ends of the floor from the center position. Although Daniel Theis has been great this season, he is a true four, and Enes Kanter is a defensive liability. Despite Drummond being a more offensive dominant center, 73 percent of his rebounds this season are from the defensive end. The two-time All Star is averaging 17.5 points, 16 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game this season.

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Drummond has some moves for what seems to be like he’d only be a colossal powerhouse. He can work the paint, draw in double-teams, and obtain second chance opportunities for the Celtics. His huge shoulders and frame allow him to use his skills to get to the basket. If Drummond can pick up on the double-team, he could then kick the ball back out to either Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or Gordon Hayward for an open look.

At 6-foot-10, 279 pounds, Drummond doesn’t get pushed around too easily. The big man would bring great rim protection and solid defense against the big’s of the East like Joel Embiid, Domantas Sabonis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. On a team like the Celtics I could see Drummond staying down low and protecting the paint, while the guards and wings can be more aggressive when defending the upper key and mid-range area.

The big man has been consistent throughout his 8 year career and has led the league in total rebounds every year since his sophomore season back in 2013; and is on pace to do it again this season. To think he couldn’t help the Celtics or be an upgrade from the current situation is quite lunatic.

The asking price for the services of an established veteran like Andre Drummond is going to be high. Right off the bat- starting with his near $28 million salary this season- the Celtics have three players with large enough contracts to include in a potential trade with Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, or Marcus Smart. If Drummond hits free agency, he will be the best center by far and the asking price could be even higher.

The intriguing part about both Hayward and Drummond’s contracts are they include player options at the end of this season. In regards to Hayward and his future in Boston, his contract seems more likely to get thrown around trade packages before Brown or Smart. The only issue with the possibly moving on from Hayward is negatively affecting the team dynamic right now, as the C’s have the third best record in the NBA (25-10).

Danny Ainge is a master negotiator and won’t hesitate to make a move if he thinks it’s best for the team. As much as the Boston Celtics could use a reinforcement at center this season, it’s probably not going to be worth it overall in regards to this current team and he knows that.

I’d have to agree with my site editor, Tarringo Basile Vaughan, on this one. I’d love to see Andre Drummond wear the green & white of the Boston Celtics and embrace what Celtics Nation is all about, but it’s not worth ruining the depth and team chemistry this season.