John Henson Says Pistons Said They'd Draft Him, but Andre Drummond Fell in 2012
Feb 9, 2020
Detroit Pistons forward John Henson looks to pass during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
A tradefeaturing Andre Drummond brought John Henson to the Detroit Pistons last week from the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it was Drummond who prevented Henson from being with the organization years earlier.
"The Pistons actually promised me at nine [in 2012]," Henson said Saturday, per Keith Langlois of the team's official site. "But Drummond dropped, so they called me. 'Hey, Drummond dropped. We're going to pick him.' So it's kind of full circle."
Drummond ended up being a steal for Detroit at No. 9 overall, earning two All-Star selections while ranking third in the class in win shares behind only Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard, per Basketball Reference.
Henson fell to the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 14 and has had an up-and-down career that's now taken him to three teams in the last two years. Still, he's shown he can be a contributor on both ends when healthy, and he registered 12 points and four rebounds in his debut for Detroit on Saturday.
Hamstring and back injuries have limited his season to just 29 games before the trade, but he was effective in limited action, averaging 5.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 14.2 minutes per game for the Cavs.
He only played 14 games for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018-19 but averaged 15.1 points, 13.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. It came after a solid 2017-18 campaign, where he started 69 of 76 games while averaging 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.
His 57.2 field-goal percentage was the best of his eight-year career. His play on both ends helped him rank fourth on the Bucks in win shares that year, per Basketball Reference, although he's struggled to get consistent playing time since then.
In Detroit, he should get more opportunity with Drummond gone and Blake Griffin injured.
Andre Drummond, Cavaliers Haven't Talked Long-Term Contract After Pistons Trade
Feb 7, 2020
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond is seen during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Newly acquired Cleveland Cavaliers big man Andre Drummond could become a free agent this coming offseason depending on whether he chooses to execute his $28.75 million player option for the 2020-21 campaign, but the team reportedly has not yet discussed the specifics of a potential long-term deal.
Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reported the news, noting general manager Koby Altman reached out to Drummond but has not yet delved into the details of a contract yet.
Cleveland acquired Drummond from the Detroit Pistons on Thursday in exchange for guard Brandon Knight, forward John Henson and whichever one of the 2023 second-round picks between its own and the Golden State Warriors' is worse.
Altman suggested the team will consider a long-term deal with the 26-year-old center.
"So I think with the player option or not, we have flexibility and optionality moving forward, but I think these next 30 games or so, he's really going to enjoy playing with our guards and Kevin Love as well, and we'll see," he said in a conference call Friday. "But with his age and what he brings to the table, I think for sure we have to consider him a long-term play."
While Drummond isn't exactly an ideal fit into the modern game of spacing and perimeter shooting, he has been impressive this season. He averaged 17.8 points, 15.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks in 49 games before Detroit traded him.
If he maintains his current pace with the Cavaliers, it will be the third straight season he's averaged at least 15 points and 15 rebounds a night. The UConn product has led the NBA in rebounding three times and currently tops the league.
The 6'10", 279-pound Drummond has played his entire career with the Pistons and will have the opportunity to see how his game blends in with veteran bigs Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.
The fact that Drummond is just 26 years old could work in Cleveland's advantagefrom a long-term perspective as well. If it does sign him to a long-term extension, he figures to remain in his prime long enough to overlap with the primes of youngsters such as Collin Sexton (21), Darius Garland (20) and Kevin Porter Jr. (19).
If all of them live up to their potential, the Cavaliers could eventually challenge for a postseason spot in the Eastern Conference.
The trade deadline has come and gone, and a number of big-name players, including Andrew Wiggins, D'Angelo Russell, Clint Capela and Andre Drummond, are on the move...
Another NBA trade deadline came and went, and we're left sifting through the rubble, hoping to piece together what exactly happened and how. After being assured over and over that nothing big was imminent, several major moves happened anyway...
Cavaliers Rumors: Tristan Thompson Not Expected to Be Bought out After Deadline
Feb 6, 2020
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 28, 2020 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported Tuesday that Thompson was open to a contract extension with the Cavs at one point but had communicated to the team he was looking to be traded.
Yahoo Sports'Chris Haynesreported Cleveland negotiated a possible trade with the Houston Rockets, but the Rockets were "unable to get to his number to make a trade work."
Thompson is making$18.5 millionthis season before becoming a free agent.
The 28-year-old would presumably savor the opportunity to play for a contending team again, and he'd have value for a franchise with championship ambitions. He's averaging 11.9 points and 10.4 rebounds through 48 games.
Staying in Cleveland will have one benefit to Thompson since he'll retain his Bird rights, which allows the Cavaliers to go over the salary cap to re-sign him. That provision would evaporate in the event he's bought out.
This is a HUGE reason why Thompson's camp would like to see him traded, hoping some team values his Bird rights and would re-sign him in the summer to a nice contract. Yes, there are other reasons why too. https://t.co/w1Oq3boB9a
The Cavs could execute a sign-and-trade in the summer, or they could offer Thompson a short-term market-level deal with an eye toward trading him next year.
In the meantime, head coach John Beilein will have to navigate a tricky frontcourt dynamic.
In one of Thursday's most surprising moves, Cleveland acquired Andre Drummond from the Detroit Pistons, per ESPN'sAdrian Wojnarowski. Assuming Kevin Love is locked into the starting lineup, Drummond or Thompson will have to come off the bench, or Beilein will need to find a way to somehow play them together.
NBA Trades 2020: Post-Deadline Roundup and Twitter Reaction
Feb 6, 2020
Golden State Warriors' D'Angelo Russell plays during an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
For most of the week leading up to the deadline, we were warned to expect a quiet trade period. There were too few sellers, and the buyers on the market didn't have the assets to make a notable deal happen.
Turns out that wasn't even close to correct.
D'Angelo Russell, Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala, Andre Drummond and Marcus Morris highlighted a series of deals that could shift the futures of a number of franchises. Here is a look at all of the players who were on the move Thursday, along with reactions to each trade.
The Heat were nearing a deal to acquire Iguodala on Wednesday—the team and Iguodala even agreed to a contract extension—but the fine details were hammered out a day later. Miami's dream of landing an Iguodala-Danilo Gallinari combo was dashed, but Pat Riley still managed to land one of the market's most coveted veterans and get cap space moving forward.
Getting out from under the Waiters and Johnson contracts may have been a better maneuver than landing Iguodala. The Heat have gone from helplessly capped out to being under the cap this summer, and they should have max space in 2021—the summer most have targeted for the next free-agent bonanza.
Reaction to the trade was mixed with praise mostly on all sides, though the Grizzlies taking on so much 2020-21 salary did raise some eyebrows:
The Memphis Grizzlies in the past year:
-Drafted Ja Morant -Traded up for Brandon Clarke -Dealt Mike Conley for Jae Crowder and a future first -Acquired De'Anthony Melton to take Josh Jackson -Got a first to take Andre Iguodala -Flipped Iguodala for Justise Winslow
Andre Iguodala got paid like $15 million to not show up to work, did a media tour advertising his services to other prospective employers, pissed off a bunch of Gen Z-ers, and just got given an additional $30 million to spend the next 2 years in Miami. First team all-finesse
The Heat dumped 28M in salary for next season & got Jae Crowder for essentially free. Plus lowered their tax bill this year. No wonder they gave Iguodala the one-year guaranteed extension, they’re still way ahead and he’ll probably still be a better asset next year.
If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then try again. And again and again and again, and maybe you'll wind up with D'Angelo Russell. The Timberwolves' dogged pursuit of Russell, a friend of Karl-Anthony Towns who just so happens to be an All-Star guard in his own right, finally paid off Thursday in a surprising trade.
While the first-round pick the Warriors acquired may be in the lottery, their cost of doing business was taking back Andrew Wiggins' contract. Wiggins has cooled off greatly since a hot start to this season and has essentially settled in as the same player who has been the source of constant frustration in Minnesota for years.
That said, the Warriors are now expected to come in under the luxury tax line, saving them plenty of cash, per The Athletic's Anthony Slater.
However, the snapshot reaction was a mix of befuddlement and memes. Lots and lots of memes:
The Warriors culture is as solid as any in the league — but this is a hell of a bet to believe they can get Wiggins to care about every possession each night and play up to his considerable potential. Going to be interesting to watch his interactions with Draymond over time.
Pistons Receive: Brandon Knight, John Henson, 2023 second-round pick
To put it mildly, this trade floored everyone when it was announced. It's not a surprise that Drummond was available. That he went to the Cavs? For a price so low that everyone thought they'd been fooled by a Fake Woj?
Nothing less than the most perplexing deal of the day.
It's hard to figure out what exactly the Cavs are doing, but it's hard to fault adding Drummond for nothing essentially. Cleveland could lose him in free agency a few months from now, or he could wind up opting into his contract for next season, and either way the team isn't losing anything of value. Even if Drummond leaves, it's possible he agrees to a sign-and-trade that winds up netting the Cavs more than the cost of trading for him.
The Pistons, meanwhile...yikes. There may be something to say for increasing flexibility to avoid Drummond opting into his contract for next season, but this was a strange dump-off for a guy who made two All-Star teams in Detroit.
Here's a look at some of the understandably polarized reaction:
I look at Cleveland acquiring Andre Drummond as leasing an expensive car for three-months. If you don't like the fit, there is no need to sign him to a long term contract. Especially that you didn't give up anything of significance.
Pistons drafted Brandon Knight in 2011, then Andre Drummond in 2012. They traded Knight & Khris Middleton to MIL for Brandon Jennings in 2013. KM is an All-Star with the Bucks while Knight returns to DET in deal or Drummond in 2020. Some organizations stay in the middle or worse
The Detroit Pistons trade away franchise leader in offensive rebounds, second in total rebounds, third in blocks fifth in steals for a 53rd overall pick in 2023. pic.twitter.com/iZHusvEHYV
If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty. I’ve given my heart and soul to the Pistons , and to be have this happen with no heads up makes me realize even more that this is just a business! I love you Detroit...
Knicks Receive: Maurice Harkless, 2020 first-round pick
Wizards Receive: Jerome Robinson
After pursuing him last summer to no avail, the Clippers finally landed Marcus Morris in a trade from the New York Knicks.
Even better: They outmaneuvered the Lakers to get it done.
The Clippers used their remaining asset capital, sending Maurice Harkless and their 2020 first-round pick to the Knicks for Morris. To make the deal work, they sent out 2018 first-round pick Jerome Robinson to the Wizards in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, who will be waived.
Knicks now have 7 first-round picks in next 4 yrs — Own 1st round picks in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 — Clippers 2020 first round pick — Dallas 2021 first round pick — Dallas 2023 first round pick — Swap rights on LAC 2021 1st Will also have 3 2nds next 2 years but not their own
The Sixers didn't have much maneuverability given the top-heavy nature of their roster, but they were able to add two solid bench pieces in Burks and Robinson for a trio of second-round picks. Burks and Robinson were both in the midst of career-best seasons while getting heavy minutes for a struggling Golden State team.
Andre Drummond Says There's 'No Friends or Loyalty' in NBA After Trade to Cavs
Feb 6, 2020
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena on December 21, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported the Cavs acquired Drummond for Brandon Knight, John Henson and a second-round pick.
Drummond reacted to the deal shortly after reports surfaced, tweeting, "If there's one thing I learned about the NBA, there's no friends or loyalty":
If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty. I’ve given my heart and soul to the Pistons , and to be have this happen with no heads up makes me realize even more that this is just a business! I love you Detroit...
Drummond's now-former teammate can attest to how quickly loyalty is thrown out the window in the name of making a business decision.
The Los Angeles Clippers built Blake Griffin amakeshift museumto entice him into staying during the 2017 offseason. Months after he signed afive-year, $171 millionsuper-max extension, the Clippers traded Griffin to the Pistons.
Going to Cleveland is probably another source of frustration for Drummond. Rather than moving to a contender, he's joining the last-place team in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavs are unlikely to be much closer to playoff contention should Drummond exercise his$28.8 millionplayer option for 2020-21. Tristan Thompson is a free agent this summer, and Cleveland will presumably revisit a possible Kevin Love trade. The Athletic'sShams Charania and Vardonreported in January that Love was frustrated with the team's direction.
Drummond should channel whatever anger he might feel toward the Pistons into his on-court performance. The 26-year-old has the chance to play himself into a nice payday this offseason or in 2021 should he opt in with the Cavs.
Cavaliers' Updated Starting Lineup, Roster After Andre Drummond Trade
Feb 6, 2020
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) plays in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off the most surprising move of the trade deadline, reportedly acquiring Andre Drummond from the Detroit Pistons.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the two teams were finalizing a deal. Per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, Brandon Knight, John Henson and a second-round draft pick will go to Detroit in exchange for Drummond.
Drummond's arrival complicates the frontcourt situation in Cleveland with Tristan Thompson still on the roster.
The Athletic's Joe Vardon reported on Tuesday that Thompson's camp wants him traded before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET deadline, with people close to the veteran center calling it a "priority."
Assuming Thompson's time with the Cavs ends soon, either via trade or through a buyout, their starting five will include Drummond, Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Kevin Love and Cedi Osman.
Here are the players Cleveland head coach John Beilein has available off the bench:
Tristan Thompson (center)
Larry Nance Jr. (center)
Ante Zizic (center)
Marques Bolden (center)
Alfonzo McKinnie (forward)
Kevin Porter Jr. (forward)
Dylan Windler (forward)
Dean Wade (forward; two-way contract)
Dante Exum (guard)
Matthew Dellavedova (guard)
Matt Mooney (guard; two-way contract)
Love has seemingly done everything in his power to get dealt, but Marc Stein of the New York Times reported it's unlikely to happen during the season.
The addition of Drummond is unusual for a Cleveland team that is trying to build around young pieces like Sexton (21) and Garland (20).
The Cavs didn't give up anything of significance, so even if Drummond opts out of his deal to become a free agent this summer, they didn't mortgage their future to make this trade.
If Drummond meshes well with Cleveland's young guards over the next two months, he can opt in to his $28.75 million salary next season or possibly work out a long-term extension this summer.
It's a no-lose deal for the Cavaliers, who need all the help they can get to create some excitement as owners of the worst record in the Eastern Conference (13-39).
Andre Drummond Traded to Cavs from Pistons for Brandon Knight, More
Feb 6, 2020
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) plays against the Indiana Pacers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The Detroit Pistons have decided to build toward the future by trading Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Pistons will acquire Brandon Knight, John Henson and a 2023 second-round pick in exchange for Drummond, the teamannouncedThursday.
Initially, there was uncertainty about whether Pistons owner Tom Gores would sign off on a trade involving Drummond.
Gores told reporters in October that keeping the 26-year-old center was a priority for the organization.
"We know how dedicated we are to each other," he said. "I've said it many times: He's very underrated in a lot of ways for what he does, and culturally he's been so good for this team, just in terms of his attitude, and just watching him really grow up. I met him when he was 18."
Drummond is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, which includes a $28.8 million player option for 2020-21. He seemed to indicate in an exchange with a reporter last summer that he would test free agency after this season.
The Pistons were in a precarious position with their roster before dealing Drummond. Their 19-34 record ranks 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Blake Griffin, who is owed $36.6 million next season with a $38.96 million player option for 2021-22, continues to have knee issues and had another surgery on Jan. 7 that could end his season.
Given the issues with Griffin, dealing Drummond is the easiest way for the Pistons to accrue future assets that can help them become a consistent playoff contender in the East. He's a dominant post presence, averaging 17.8 points per game to go along with 15.8 rebounds.
The Cavs' decision to trade for Drummond is odd on the surface but justifiable given the almost complete lack of opportunity cost. Neither Knight nor Henson are above-average NBA role players, and the second-round pick is an asset that can always be recouped at a later date.
Drummond has his flaws in the modern NBA, but he's one of the league's best rebounders. The Cavs will also have Bird rights for a potential sign-and-trade if Drummond opts out this summer and wants to head elsewhere.
NBA Trade Rumors: Reviewing Latest Reports Before 2020 Deadline Passes
Feb 6, 2020
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond does not appear to be going anywhere before the NBA trade deadline hits Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
There is "an increased likelihood" the 26-year-old remains on the Pistons roster, according to a report from Yahoo's Chris Haynes.
Drummond, who has a player option for the 2020-21 season on his current contract, is an intriguing trade prospect because he is putting up impressive numbers for one of the teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The center may not be the only trade target on the Pistons roster staying put on deadline day, as the same could happen with Derrick Rose and Markieff Morris.
Pistons Holding Firm in Trade Market
In addition to Haynes' report, Yahoo's Keith Smith added that Rose and Morris could be in similar situations as Drummond.
Smith noted the Pistons have not budged from what they are asking for the current players on their roster.
Drummond carries the highest profile of the trio due to the career-best scoring numbers he is producing this season.
The 26-year-old is averaging 17.8 points per game, which is a half-point above his previous career best, and hauling in 15.8 rebounds per contest.
The Boston Celtics were among the teams that reached out to Detroit about Drummond, as Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, noted contact was made last month.
Drummond addressed some of the trade talk following Detroit's win over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, per MLive's Lauren Williams: "I mean, I've been hearing that for the past four years. So it doesn't faze me. But you know, I saw it did for other guys in the locker room, but for me just keep playing until whatever happens, happens."
Rose could be added as a veteran presence off the bench by a contender, but he "doesn't want to be traded", according to Yahoo's Vincent Goodwill.
Rose is averaging 18.5 points per game in 26.4 minutes played per contest in his first year with the Pistons.
The 30-year-old Morris has put up 11 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest, and he generated interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Celtics, per The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.
Bogdan Bogdanovic to Remain with Kings
Sacramento has been one of the busiest teams ahead of the deadline, but it is not expected to make an additional move to get rid of Bogdan Bogdanovic.
According to NBC Sports Bay Area's James Ham, the Kings plan to hold onto the 27-year-old and match offers that come in for the restricted free agent this summer.
Marc Stein of the New York Timesnoted that some of the Kings' recent deals have helped free up space to match any offer sheets from other interested parties.
Sacramento traded Trevor Ariza to the Portland Trail Blazers and shipped Dewayne Dedmon to the Atlanta Hawks as part of their creation of cap space for Bogdanovic.
In his third season with the team, Bogdanovic is averaging 14.6 points per game and shooting 37.8 percent from three-point range.
The shooting guard currently makes a base salary of $8.5 million, but that number is projected to increase for next season. By offloading the $12 million due to Ariza and $13 million owed to Dedmon, the Kings created plenty of space to fend off any other potential suitors for Bogdanovic.
