A comprehensive breakdown of the recently rumored Boston Celtics trade targets

Andre Drummond

We start this list off with easily the best player on the trading block at the moment. Andre Drummond is a stud; grabbing 16 rebounds a game while contributing 17 points and almost two blocks per contest earns you that designation.

That said, the cost will remain too great for Ainge to consider. Nothing is going to change on that front, with the former All-NBA center making an annual salary north of $20 million.

My co-editor Andrew Hughes made the argument against a Drummond deal in his recent pros and cons piece:

"The cons of acquiring Drummond start with what the Boston Celtics would need to give up to acquire him. Because of his $22 million salary figure, the C’s would need to sacrifice one of the larger contracts on Boston’s books."

Given rumors of Ainge being against trading any of his top five players, it just doesn’t seem all that likely a deal will go down. He also points out how Ainge’s stance on giving up his core is likely another reason the team would forgo any Drummond blockbusters this season:

"Given his reluctance to give up Brown and Tatum for Anthony Davis, there is almost a slim-to-none chance this happens. Hayward is more conceivable, but why would the Pistons want a player who doesn’t fit any rebuilding plans, and who could similarly leave the team this summer with an opt-out clause."

There is just too much working against a Drummond deal financially for it to make any sense for Ainge and co. to make a deal.

To quote Ariana Grande: thank you, next.