When an NBA team schemes for a specific player, you know that player is great. When they makes trades with that player in mind, you know they’re elite. Teams are doing whatever they can to try to stop that player.
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets cannot be stopped. He’s going to generate offense against anybody. Still, if you don’t have a big body to throw at him, he’s likely to dominate.
It seems that the Los Angeles Lakers are aware. Recently, it’s been rumored that they’re shopping for a big man who can at least get physical with Jokic in the playoffs.
How about Andre Drummond of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Chicago Bulls’ Andre Drummond
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Jaxson Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Andre Drummond
Generally, having a player that opposing teams have to account for is a recipe for success in the NBA. If you look at the league’s history, most NBA champions roster an MVP candidate. If you don’t have one, you won’t be in the title picture.
Look at the Lakers’ LeBron James. The league’s Eastern Conference ran through him for almost a decade. When James eventually made the move to the Western Conference, it didn’t take long for the Lakers to win a title under his leadership.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Bulls may have missed the memo. This team put together a roster full of low grade stars. Still, the results have been disappointing, even without an MVP candidate. The Bulls look poised to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
Should they ship Drummond off?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls should be looking to move a lot of players. Rumors suggest that Zach LaVine’s trade value is low. The Bulls should explore it anyway. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic should all be on the block.
The Bulls need to rebuild. Drummond shouldn’t be an exception. He won’t net them a massive return, but he is a valuable veteran. Chicago may not receive much in terms of draft capital for Drummond, but a decent young player could be in the cards.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Why not Hayes? He hasn’t been a fixture in the Lakers’ rotation this year, but a rebuilding team could use him differently. Hayes is a superb athlete who can do a little ball-handling and protect the rim.
Should the Lakers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
It’s been an interesting career for Drummond. At one time, he was seen as a star. With that said, rebounding specialists don’t hold the value that they once did. By now, Drummond is a fringe starter in this league.
That doesn’t mean he’s not useful. Drummond still gobbles up rebounds on a nightly basis. He’s also a capable, if unspectacular defender. In all likelihood, he’ll earn a significant place in this team’s rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, Hayes isn’t on track to do the same. The Lakers are picking up a rotation player at the cost of someone they don’t seem to believe in. Who knows? Drummond could even help them contain Nikola Jokic.
