The Philadelphia 76ers have been treated to a relatively healthy dose of Joel Embiid this season, which is something that seemed completely unfeasible before the season even began. The team continues to be a helpless case when he is not in uniform, but things have become more manageable compared to last season. One person they should thank for that is Andre Drummond, who has been as steady as a ship this time around.
However, as good as the veteran has been, Nick Nurse and the coaching staff have made a deliberate choice to start laying the groundwork for the future. As such, they have cudgeled sophomore big man Adem Bona ahead of him in the rotation, although Drummond is the fill-in starter when Embiid sits out. Unfortunately, they probably should not expect that setup to subsist next season.
Drummond will be entering the free agency market this year, and given the kind of season he is having, there is no doubt that teams will come lining up for his services. He still has a lot left in the tank especially when it comes to rebounding, which has become more valuable due to the influx of surging big men in the league.
The 76ers will most likely part ways with Andre Drummond in free agency
Now, why would the 76ers even accommodate the thought of letting Drummond go, you say? Well, they should — and would — not. If anything and in all likelihood, the veteran himself could initiate his exit from Philly if he wants to chase a more consistent role for the next few years. After all, Bona seems to be the favored option moving forward as Embiid’s primary backup.
Drummond is still easily the best rebounding big man on the 76ers roster, and possibly in the entire league. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, he is still darn impactful on the boards, which is has become a common theme among teams that fare well on both ends of the floor.
The former All-Star will most likely be offered a veteran’s minimum deal by the 76ers, which makes it all the more likely that another team swoops in and offers something a little bit more than that. If so, Philly will have no other choice but to replace him, as they cannot afford to pay more for a third-string center given their muddled salary books.
Andre Drummond has been more than serviceable for the 76ers, but given the team’s current direction, it only makes sense for both parties to seriously consider a divorce in free agency.