Andre Drummond will reportedly sign with the Lakers over the Celtics
The Celtics had coveted Drummond according to multiple reports.
The Celtics’ plan to add another big man off the buyout market is on hold — for now, at least.
Veteran center Andre Drummond intends to sign with the Lakers, his agent told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday. The Celtics had coveted Drummond per multiple reports. Drummond, who the Cavaliers bought out on Friday, strongly considered signing with the Celtics before ultimately deciding to sign with the Lakers, The Athletic’s Jared Weiss reported.
The nine-year NBA vet was averaging 17.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game this season before he and the Cavaliers mutually agreed in February to sit him and help him find a new home.
The Celtics shook up their center rotation at the trade deadline, trading starting center Daniel Theis to the Bulls for Moritz Wagner and Luke Kornet. Robert Williams has since shifted into Theis’ old role. Wagner has played in brief stints in two games since joining the Celtics, and Kornet played 13 minutes during the Celtics’ win over the Thunder on Saturday, scoring eight fourth-quarter points.
If the Celtics hope to add another center through free agency, they may be out of luck finding an enticing option. Veteran big man LaMarcus Aldridge signed with the Nets on Saturday, and Gorgui Dieng is reportedly expected to sign with the Spurs. Former Celtic Kelly Olynyk, who’s been speculated to be a buyout candidate, appears to be staying in Houston for the time being.
The Celtics are expected to get back veteran center Tristan Thompson soon. Thompson’s been out since March 16 due to health and safety protocols. In his first season in Boston, Thompson’s averaged 7.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, starting in 31 of the 36 games he’s played in.
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