The Detroit Pistons’ season is over.
Andre Drummond’s time in the Motor City is not.
After the Pistons were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in their first playoff appearance since 2009, owner Tom Gores made it clear that Drummond, a restricted free agent, remains part of the team’s long-term vision, per ESPN.com’s Nick Friedell:
Pistons owner Tom Gores made it clear after Sunday night’s season-ending Game 4 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers that he has no qualms about giving Drummond big money.
“No hesitation,” Gores said in the Pistons locker room after the game. “Come on, look at all the big guys in the league. Come on.”
…
Asked if Drummond wants to stay long term, Gores sounded cautiously optimistic.
“You’d have to ask Andre, but I think we have a great relationship,” Gores said. “I think he likes Detroit, but you’d have to ask him.”
There really isn’t anything to question here. Andre Drummond isn’t leaving the Pistons. End of story.
Detroit can match any offer that Drummond receives, for starters. If coach and president Stan Van Gundy, along with Gores, wants to keep him, they will keep him.
But, more than that, the plan along has been to max out Drummond. Both the Pistons and big man himself delayed his extension this past fall so that the organization would enjoy maximum flexibility this summer. Drummond’s cap hold is just under $8.2 million until he signs a new deal, affording the Pistons more than $10 million in additional wiggle room to start free agency.
This isn’t the route Andre Drummond explores if he wants to leave. And the Pistons, for their part, don’t have anyone who can replace him. Any player on the open market worth his salt, such as Al Horford, is going to demand equal or superior value.
So rather than focusing on Drummond’s inevitable return, attention should shift to what the Pistons will do with the flexibility they’ve been granted.
