NBA Rumors: Nets Waiting On Buyout To Improve Defense After Harden Arrival

Andre Drummond’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers has come into question since the franchise acquired Jarrett Allen as part of the trade that saw James Harden join the Brooklyn Nets.

The Cavs center has put up impressive numbers this season, averaging a career-high of 18.7 points while also claiming a league-leading 14.6 rebounds per game.

The arrival of Allen, however, is likely to restrict Drummond’s playing time and the Cavaliers are said to be open to trading the former Detroit Pistons cager.

The Nets, according to the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, have shown interest in acquiring Drummond as they look to bolster their frontcourt following the departure of Allen.

Sean Marks, the general manager of the Eastern Conference big guns, seeks to improve the squad's defensive solidity but is unlikely to offer a trade package after having already sacrificed so much to acquire Harden from the Houston Rockets.

According to O’Connor's report, the Nets are waiting for the Cavaliers to buy Drummond out of his contract.

"People around the league say the Nets are hoping that Andre Drummond, the Cavs center, gets bought out. That's what people say they're hoping for, but that's unlikely because Cleveland is still in it, partially because they're pretty good but also because they have more playoff spots to get in,” the pundit said, as quoted on Sportskeeda.

Former Boston Celtics stalwart Kendrick Perkins also chimed in by advising Drummond to look for a new home--with the 2008 NBA champion certain that Allen will be the Cavaliers’ starting center moving forward.

“Might be about that time to find a new home for Andre Drummond because Jarrett Allen is balling and is going to be the Cavs future center! Just saying though,” Perkins wrote on Twitter.

A potential buyout agreement between Drummond and the Cavaliers will be a tricky proposition after the center opted into his $28.8 million player option at the start of the season.