Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

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I can't quite understand this argument. Drummond gets you rebounds but almost nothing else. He has to stay in the paint and wings just run around him. He's not even a shot blocker now, and he's not likely to defend anyone outside the paint. Drummond is averaging 13 mpg. That feels like a slightly better version of McGee. I might like him as 3rd big man... but he's a minor adjustment at best.

It's possible there are other big men who eventually become available, but Stewart is a 22-year-old athlete that has played center most of his short career. He started for Detroit almost immediately, and they apparently want to move him because of their roster issues. He does several thing Drummond can't do. He moves well in space, switches off pretty well when he needs to, and shoots an improving 3-point shot. He hasn't played with a good PG before - or even on a winning team. He's available now. 

It's a gamble, but it feels like we're all waiting around for the perfect player (that no one seems to agree on). Furthermore, we are largely unsure of the availability of anyone in particular. Stewart is young and has shown all the promise of a good, mid first-round draft pick. The Bojan-for-THj addition seems like a wash at worst, and the possibility of Detroit bundling Killian Hayes for a player is pretty much a non-event if someone like Holmes is outgoing.

The first-rounder is a thing to consider and perhaps the loss of Hardy is an issue if Detroit wants him. But the Mavs have a serious need in the middle, and I'm not getting anything that says Hardy is a necessity this year.

It's a matter for fit and price.  Andre Drummond may only do one thing well- rebounding.  However, he may the best rebounder in the entire NBA.  This causes his defensive advanced metrics to generally be very favorable.  He really limits second chances.  Offensively, he can dunk at the rim and provides a lot of 2nd-chance opportunities because he is among the best offensive rebounders in the league.  He has pretty good hands on defense and gets a surprising amount of steals for a big.  He's actually a decent passer as well.  

Stewart may have more positives to his game than Drummond but Drummond is so elite at rebounding that his advanced states have generally been at least equivalent to Stewart over the past years.

I think Drummond would fit great as a backup here playing with our smaller forwards who don't rebound.  He would also provide a big body to work against Jokic.   He plays limited minutes for the Bulls because he is behind a pretty talented center-  Vucevic.  We would want him strictly as a backup here.  Isaiah Stewart might be a better overall player but Drummond fits our needs better.

We can probably have Drummond for a 2nd-round pick.  

Stewart will cost more in assets and his contract would likely preclude us from signing either DJJ or Dante Exum when they become free agents.

I would choose Drummond in this situation.