Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Forbes suggests a deal for Andre Drummond

By Tony Pesta

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Once enemies, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers could benefit each other with a potential deal this offseason.

Once upon a time, the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers clashed in a record-breaking four consecutive NBA Finals – the Warriors winning three of the matchups. But, the league looked much different this season, with the Dubs and Cavs instead competing for the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery.

Golden State finished with 15 wins and ranked dead last in league standings. Cleveland was right behind them at 19 wins. Still, the franchises find themselves in entirely different positions – as the return of the Warriors core will put them back in title contention – while it could be years for the Cavaliers to recover from the second loss of LeBron James.

The Warriors are confident in their ability to win with their big three. It is the supporting cast that could use some help. That is why Evan Dammarrell of Forbes (and previously FanSided) has suggested the Dubs and Cavaliers benefit each other with a deal.

Yes, I know. For whatever reason, the idea of trading Andrew Wiggins sends most Warriors fan reeling backward. But, hear us out on this one.

Wiggins has three remaining years on a MASSIVE contract that could put the Warriors in shambles moving forward if they are unable to retool this roster. Flipping him for Andre Drummond, one of the league’s best rebounders, not only helps them in potential matchups with the Los Angeles Lakers but also allows them to clear a TON of cap space next season if they choose to let Drummond walk in free agency.

If signing Giannis Antetokounmpo is a goal of the Warriors, this trade helps open the door for that possibility. Other potential free agents like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Anthony Davis, Victor Oladipo and Jayson Tatum could end up on the Warriors’ radar as well.

But, free agency aside, this deal actually does help the Dubs win next season. Drummond averaged 17.7 points and 15.2 rebounds per game last season. He fills a void at the center position. Best of all, this deal doesn’t feature the Warriors’ No. 2 overall pick – allowing them to use it for themselves in order to create more depth.

Evan did a fantastic job explaining why this deal makes sense for Cleveland, as well. But, since this is a Warriors site, we won’t delve into any of that. The link to Dammarell’s explanation is above though if you are interested.

To recap, the Warriors would get a top-tier rebounder and massive body to help clog the paint in the case of a matchup with Anthony Davis and the Lakers. If all else fails, they at least clear up enough cap space to have freedom heading into a great 2021 free agency class.

Home/Warriors News