Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond addressed the trade surrounding his name on Monday.
Most are anticipating the Philadelphia 76ers to attempt to duck the luxury tax prior to the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
A trade is necessary to make this happen, as the team is roughly $1.3 million over the tax. One of the players most heavily rumored to be moved at the trade deadline is backup center Andre Drummond. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reported, "sources around the league say the team is willing to part ways with Drummond."
Because of these swirling trade rumors, Drummond spoke with Sixers Wire's Ky Carlin about the idea of seeing a change of scenery ahead of Feb. 5.
"(Expletive), at least they’re talking about you!" Drummond told Sixers Wire. "Somebody wants you. I’ve kinda made this time of the year more fun than taxing. I know it’s a lot for people to deal with having their name brought up and trade rumors and this and that and the third. So, for me, I make it fun like, listen, at least somebody wants me."
Drummond, age 32, is having another solid season in Philadelphia. He is averaging 6.8 points and 8.7 rebounds on 50% shooting in 37 appearances. The Sixers also have 2024 second-round pick Adem Bona, who could be the reason the front office is comfortable moving off Drummond.
Drummond is earning $5 million this season, so trading his contract for no salary in return would easily put Philadelphia under the luxury tax.
Drummond continued, "I love being here in Philly. I wanna make sure that’s on the record. I love being here in Philly, but that’s the business. (Expletive) does happen and you gotta stay professional and be ready for whatever to come."
The two-time All-Star is no stranger to being dealt, as he was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2020. He was also traded by the 76ers once before in the blockbuster that brought James Harden to Philadelphia.
"It’s difficult and it’s a quick change, too," Drummond shared. "It can happen really fast. You move to the next city and you’re kinda going right to (the team that acquired you) so, I think it’s just a lot. You gotta uproot your whole family, if you have families. You have situations going on out there. It just changes in an instance. So, just being prepared for that and whatever comes with it."
Given Drummond's veteran leadership and ability to impact the interior, it's possible Philadelphia will look to move off another one of their contracts to dodge the tax.
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