Cavs will buyout Andre Drummond, freeing him from trade rumor purgatory

Andrew Drummond is going to hit the buyout market, which means the rumor mill will keep on spinning. 

After weeks of seemingly endless trade rumors, Andre Drummond didn’t go anywhere.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been holding Drummond out of the lineup for weeks, a transparently trade-motivated move that at least ensured injury wouldn’t derail any potential talks.

But it appears that any such talks went nowhere, as the Cavs only trade of deadline day was moving JaVale McGee back to Denver. So Cleveland moved a big man, just not the one we’ve been waiting with bated breath to hear where he’ll end up.

The drama will continue, however. Much like the truth, the answer to the question of where Drummond will finish this season is still out there — and likely coming soon.

According to Chris Haynes from Yahoo! Sports, the Cavaliers will buyout Drummond’s contract and allow him to seek a contender to sign with on the open market. 

Drummond hitting the buyout market solves one part of the equation but the meatiest part of the rumors are still on the bone. Cleveland no longer holds the keys to where the big man will play, which only heightens the drama of who could be in on offering him a deal.

Andre Drummond Rumors: Lakers, Knicks are obvious landing spots

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks seem like obvious landing spots. The Knicks were involved in trade talks with Cleveland prior to the deadline and adding Drummond only fortifies a roster that is deep in the playoff hunt. Plus, now that the Knicks are good again they’re going to be rumored to be a landing spot for everyone even more than they usually are.

Brooklyn adding Blake Griffin certainly adds incentive for the Knicks to ensure this miraculously successful season doesn’t get upended by its cross-borough brother.

Of course, all the way on the other coast sits the Lakers, who could very much use Drummond’s services both now and in the playoffs. LeBron James is ailing and Anthony Davis’ injury has exposed serious flaws in the Lakers plan to repeat as NBA champions.

Adding Drummond in L.A. gives the Lakers incredible talent off the bench in the playoffs but also serves as a lineup plug in the interim.