3) Intriguing pre-deadline Chicago Bulls rumors
Andre Drummond interest
One of the hotter names around the NBA’s rumor landscape right now involves the former Detroit Piston and the Cleveland Cavaliers dominant center Andre Drummond. This towering 6-foot-10 and 280 pound former UConn Huskies big man is currently in the midst of the final year of his current contract, which makes him a valuable commodity on the trade block ahead of the deadline.
The Bulls apparently have reported interest in looking into a Drummond trade, per Shams Charania of The Athletic (paid content).
Given the need that Donovan and the Bulls have to add a more dominant two-way big man, that can also stay healthy on a consistent basis, the interest in Drummond makes sense. Drummond will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, as he’s without even a player option for the summer.
The Bulls wouldn’t have to buy into what Drummond brings to the table, or what he might cost contract-wise, over the long haul. He could be really whatever they want him to be; a short term rental or a longer term piece of the frontcourt rotation.
One thing we do know is that third-year center Wendell Carter Jr. and fourth-year power forward Lauri Markkanen aren’t able to stay healthy on a consistent basis. That means that the Bulls need help in their frontcourt rotation, which is something that Drummond could provide right away if he were to land in the Windy City ahead of the deadline.
The Cavaliers already weren’t playing Drummond down the stretch ahead of the All-Star Break since they are actively trying to find a trade for him. Maybe the Bulls could get him in the mix, and soon.