It perhaps was the most surprising deal ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, at least in terms of the return and the final destination.
The Pistons had been shopping Andre Drummond for several weeks, but the two-time All-Star center surprisingly was shipped to last-place Cleveland for the expiring contracts of John Henson and Brandon Knight and a future second-round pick.
Drummond, who has a $28.75 million player option for next season, leads the NBA in rebounds with 15.8 per game. Cleveland (last in the Eastern Conference at 13-39) could look to extend the 26-year-old former UConn star’s contract, especially with center Tristan Thompson’s deal set to expire.
“If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty,” Drummond tweeted. “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…You will always have a special place in my heart! But on to the next @cavs hope you’re ready! Let’s finish the year off the right way.”
In addition to Marcus Morris heading from the Knicks to the Clippers, Andre Iguodala, D’Angelo Russell and Andrew Wiggins also were among the other big names on the move before Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline.
Russell, the former Nets All-Star in whom the Knicks had expressed interest, was traded for the third time in five years, going from Golden State to Minnesota with Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman for Wiggins, a 2021 protected first-round pick and a 2021 second-rounder.
Elsewhere, Philadelphia cleared a roster spot by dealing guard James Ennis III to Orlando for a second-round pick. The Sixers had acquired Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III from Golden State for three second-round picks Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves made a second move, picking up forward James Johnson from Memphis for center Gorgui Dieng. The Grizzlies previously had acquired Johnson, along with Justise Winslow and Dion Waiters, from Miami for Iguodala and forwards Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill. Memphis also swapped forward Bruno Caboclo to Houston for forward Jordan Bell.
Atlanta also received forward Skal Labissiere and guard Derrick Walton Jr. in separate trades with Portland and the Clippers.