As the New York Knicks look to shake things up before the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 6, they’ve reportedly inquired on one of the top All-Star talents available this season.
According to Stadium’s Shams Charania, New York inquired on Detroit’s 26-year-old star center and could reportedly be a fit in the eyes of the Pistons because of the Knicks’ immense draft capital.
However, as Charania reports, the Knicks want to keep the plethora of draft picks. They own the Dallas Mavericks’ first-round picks in 2021 and ’23, potentially giving them six first-round picks over the next four years.
A chance to acquire Drummond could be attractive to the Knicks, especially given their desire to add more star power to the lineup. He is averaging 17.8 points and is dominating on the glass with a league-high 16.2 rebounds per game this season.
Drummond, a two-time All-Star, is also a capable force on the defensive end. He entered Friday’s action averaging 1.9 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. The Pistons have also received interest in Drummond from the Atlanta Hawks and the 6-foot-10 center is “widely known” to be available for picks or young players.
He holds a $28.75 million player option for next season, part of his original five-year, $127 million contract, and his deal would increase due to an 8% trade kicker. If he declines his option, Drummond would likely be one of the top free agents available this offseason.