There would have been a time when burly center, Andre Drummond would have been a good fit with the Boston Celtics. But that time is not now. With the Detroit Pistons reportedly engaged in discussions with other teams about a trade for the big man, the odds of the Boston Celtics making such a deal allegedly are among the best, but it shouldn't happen..
One of the high-salary Guys in Green would have to be sent to Detroit to make the dollars work, and forward Gordon Hayward's contract could make such a trade possible. But why do it? Andre plays roughly 34 minutes per game, and I present his numbers with Enes Kanter's per-36-minutes stats:
This is not to say that Drummond would be an upgrade at the center spot, but to send away a talent the like of Hayward wold be preposterous. Both Gordon and Andre have player options for next season, so there are question marks surrounding the two of them. The only reason Danny Ainge would make such a deal prior to the trade deadline would be that he felt making that move (Hayward-for-Drummond) would increase Boston's chances of raising Banner #18 this season.
Without comparing talent levels, Kanter and Drummond are similar in size and skills. And Daniel Theis' contributions at the 5-spot can't be ignored. The Kanter-Theis pairing has worked reasonably well this season. Why tamper with it? The odds may say "Yes" to such a trade, but logic says "No". I can't envision Ainge even making an inquiry about such a move.
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Celtics among best sportsbook odds to deal for Drummond https://t.co/XgkDpWJ2jk
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 7, 2020
One of the high-salary Guys in Green would have to be sent to Detroit to make the dollars work, and forward Gordon Hayward's contract could make such a trade possible. But why do it? Andre plays roughly 34 minutes per game, and I present his numbers with Enes Kanter's per-36-minutes stats:
Drummond (34 minutes): 17.5 PPG, 16.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 52.9% FG, 63.6% FT
Kanter (36 minutes): 17.7 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 56.7% FG, 66.7% FT
This is not to say that Drummond would be an upgrade at the center spot, but to send away a talent the like of Hayward wold be preposterous. Both Gordon and Andre have player options for next season, so there are question marks surrounding the two of them. The only reason Danny Ainge would make such a deal prior to the trade deadline would be that he felt making that move (Hayward-for-Drummond) would increase Boston's chances of raising Banner #18 this season.
Without comparing talent levels, Kanter and Drummond are similar in size and skills. And Daniel Theis' contributions at the 5-spot can't be ignored. The Kanter-Theis pairing has worked reasonably well this season. Why tamper with it? The odds may say "Yes" to such a trade, but logic says "No". I can't envision Ainge even making an inquiry about such a move.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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