5 buyout candidates that could help an NBA contender

4. Andre Drummond

The Cleveland Cavaliers have placed Andre Drummond on the bench permanently until a trade partner is found. But is there any team out there willing to match what the Cavs want?

A buyout may end up being a more favorable option for both sides if the Cavs can save some money and Drummond can get back on the court with a contender. However, he would likely have to agree to take a pay cut just to get out of Cleveland. So this remains an unknown possibility.

Drummond going to the Los Angeles Lakers or Brooklyn Nets would totally change the way each team can operate. He would not show up as a focal point on offense and could grab 10-15 rebounds a night without having to worry about being a primary scorer. Such a role is what doomed his teams in both Detroit and Cleveland.

The big man is the most iffy candidate on this list because of his monster salary. He is going to want that money and is indeed entitled to what his contract states. The union may also not like it if he takes a huge pay cut just so he can play again. Draymond Green’s recent comments about Drummond point toward players not being thrilled with what the Cavs are doing.