Andre Drummond (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could look to add Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond, who is reportedly on the trading block.
The Celtics have yet to make strike a deal this season, but with plenty of trade assets in the possession, they are still considered frontrunners to orchestrate a deal or two at the deadline. Names like Blake Griffin, Jimmy Butler and Paul George have all been linked to Boston in the past few weeks, and while it would be intriguing to see any of those stars join the Cs, the Celtics may still consider trading for a rebounding big man, according to Jake Fischer of Sports Illustrated.
"Smart money wouldn't bet on Boston swinging for the fences. With the Celtics ranking No. 29 in defensive rebounding rate, targeting help on the glass is the plausible and expected outcome," Fischer wrote.
The Celtics have closed the gap with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it won't still be a two-way race for the title if Boston lacks a rebounding and defensive big man. Drummond, who is averaging 14.6 points and 13.8 rebounds a game for Detroit this season, would instantly address the Celtics' need.
ESPN's Marc Stein reported that the Pistons would "not discourage" trade talks involving Drummond. And while Pistons head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy insisted there has not been any serious discussions about Drummond, he admitted there have been possible trade talks for the 23-year-old center.
#Pistons SVG: "There hasn’t been a serious discussion about Andre, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been discussions about Andre."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) February 21, 2017
However, trading for Drummond won't surely come cheap for the Celtics, especially with the Pistons still in play for a postseason spot. Any potential trade for Drummond could involve some of Boston's key players and a future draft picks.
It is still unclear whether the Celtics have a genuine interest in adding Drummond, but expect Boston to strike a deal or two at the deadline in hopes of making the Eastern Conference a two-way title race with the Cavs.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
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