Two-time All-Star Andre Drummond is expected to leave the Chicago Bulls for the Dallas Mavericks once free agency starts on June 30, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Drummond is expected to decline his $3.4 million 2023-24 player option with the Bulls and sign a contract with the Mavericks, who need a center since the organization will not re-sign big man Christian Wood and veteran JaVale McGee is out of Dallas’ plans.
“Multiple rival teams have told me this week that they expect Dallas to come to terms early in free agency with former All-Star center Andre Drummond … provided Drummond, as expected, declines his $3.36 million player option with Chicago before his Thursday’s deadline to do so,” Stein wrote. “Drummond would be the third new center for the Mavericks alongside recent acquisition Richaun Holmes and No. 12 overall pick Dereck Lively II.
“JaVale McGee and unrestricted free agent-to-be Christian Wood are out of Dallas’ plans, but McGee remains on the Mavericks’ roster for the moment after their recent trade pursuit of Deandre Ayton was ultimately rejected by Phoenix.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Drummond averaged 6.0 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Bulls this past season while shooting 60.6% from the field. Chicago, after making the playoffs in 2022, missed the postseason this year. The team won the 9-10 play-in game against the Toronto Raptors but lost the 8-9 play-in game to the Miami Heat.
The 29-year-old Drummond has career averages of 13.2 points and 12.7 rebounds with the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Bulls. The New York native is one of the best rebounders in NBA history. Drummond is 13th all-time in rebounds per game.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Bulls re-signed All-Star Nikola Vucevic on June 28 to a three-year, $60 million contract. Vucevic would have become an unrestricted free agent on June 30 had he and Chicago not reached an extension.
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