Report: Celtics have ‘strong’ interest in Cavs center Andre Drummond

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

Most of the early reports regarding the Celtics' pursuits at the NBA trade deadline have involved wing shooters. From JJ Redick to Harrison Barnes, it's been all about bench scoring...until now.

According to Sam Amico of Forty Eight Minutes, the Celtics have a "strong" interest in Cavaliers' center Andre Drummond. Drummond was benched by the Cavs earlier this week, and isn't expected to play again until he's traded. That means a deal could happen, to Boston or elsewhere, sooner rather than later.

The Celtics are one of seven teams named in Amico's report, along with the Knicks, Nets, Raptors, Hornets, Blazers, and Clippers. Amico says Drummond, a native of of Mount Vernon, New York considers the Knicks "a good landing spot" and that the Knicks would make forward Kevin Knox, one of their best young players, available in a deal.

However, Drummond's wishes only mean as much as the Cavs are willing to honor them. He's in the final year of his contract, without a trade clause. Whatever team trades for him will pay the remainder of his $28.7 million contract, before he becomes a free agent this summer.

Drummond has had a solid season to this point. The 27-year-old averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game in 25 starts for the Cavs. Free throw shooting has been his biggest issue throughout his career, and while it's certainly not amazing this season, his 59.7 percent success rate from the line is his best since 2018.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.