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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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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 13: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 13, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 13: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 13, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Getting wild

This one is a big ask for the Lakers. Moving Kuzma is their one obvious asset for improving the team in the short term and raising their championship odds for this season. However, if they move him it seems likely they would want a similar type of player, albeit with a bit more shooting or defensive upside. This deal also ask them to give up most of their wing depth and key shooters. Green and Caldwell-Pope have been fantastic but their contracts are needed to make it work.

In exchange, the Lakers get Drummond, a true center who can help save Anthony Davis from the pounding of playing that position on a nightly basis. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move and one the Lakers will probably be loathe to make, considering how well things are going right now. Still, it’s fun to imagine.

On the Pistons side, Kuzma probably represents the best-case scenario for young talent returning in a Drummond deal. There are plenty of legitimate questions about his ability to be a primary offensive threat on a good team and what we’ve seen with the Lakers this season raises questions about his viability as anything else. The issue is that Drummond has flaws as well and there just aren’t any perfect deals out there for them.

Yes, these NBA players’ gems are uncut. dark. Next

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