Fansided

NBA Trade Deadline 2020: 5 Andre Drummond trades we wish could happen

By Ian Levy

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 9: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 9, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 9: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons warms up prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 9, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 6: Derrick Favors #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz on January 6, 2020 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 6: Derrick Favors #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before the game against the Utah Jazz on January 6, 2020 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Financial flexibility and a young flyer

For the Pistons, this is a similar scenario to the last deal. Favors is an expiring and represents potential cap space or a useful piece that could perhaps be coaxed back at a more team-friendly figure. Melli has not delivered as an older rookie with international experience but he’s fairly inexpensive and should be helpful as a shooter. Alexander-Walker has struggled mightily in his limited minutes but he’s an intriguing young piece with upside as both a shooter and secondary-creator.

The Pelicans gambled on a few short deals for veterans last summer, thinking they would potentially help scaffold develop for their young players, specifically Zion Williamson, and maybe even get them into the playoffs. That hasn’t worked out the way they were expecting but Drummond could take things to another level and while his salary is enormous it’s not a long-term commitment for a team that’s building around a 19-year-old.

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