Andre Drummond got bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday. The buyout happened right before the trade deadline. Cleveland could not pull off a deal for Drummond. Many would likely say that is because teams knew Cleveland would buy him out if he wasn’t traded. Buyout players are supposed to be for guys who are washed up, not players like Drummond who can contribute to a championship team. It feels weird to me that he is courting offers from half the NBA like it’s fucking free agency. Something has changed when it comes to this in the league.

Yahoo Sources: Andre Drummond will listen to pitches from the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 26, 2021

I get Drummond has a large deal and it made him complicated to trade. But that should mean something. Cleveland traded for him. They should not be allowed to get a ‘Get out of jail free card because the buyout can happen. And the teams that want him should have to trade actual assets versus acquiring someone. Both Los Angeles teams did not have the assets to get him. And New York and Charlotte had the assets + the cap to figure it out. When I think of buyout guys, they are players like Marvin Willimas last year or Austin Rivers, Jeff Teague this season. Where they still have value, but they’re not going to add a ton to the team.

Part of me wonders if the league will tweak their buyout rules. My guess is no. They like player movement and know the buyout market gets people talking. If Drummond goes to the Lakers or Clippers, people will act like the fucking savior came to town. When in reality, Drummond will just give each team some rebounds and be out of position defensively against good big men such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic. We’ll see where Drummond chooses.

Charlie.