Report: Warriors, Pistons Could Make A Deal Involving D’Angelo Russell And Andre Drummond

The Golden State Warriors were loud and clear about their intentions to keep D’Angelo Russell on the roster for quite some time. But, what will happen if they change their mind? The frontcourt is the biggest concern of the Warriors. To fix things properly, they will have to give up on a player, and removing a young point guard is always a good option. Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report discussed the chances of seeing Detroit Piston’s Andre Drummond wear a Warriors uniform.

Russell should start the regular season as an offensive option for the Warriors while Klay Thompson recovers from his ACL injury. The team will have to complement Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Thompson with players that fit better.

Drummond has led the league in rebounding three of the past four years, and scored a career-high 17.3 points per game last year. Curry and Thompson are excellent shooters, but Drummond can still give them more chances while keeping opposite giants off the glass.

“The Pistons are stuck in NBA purgatory, and adding a young All-Star point guard in Russell, 23, raises the ceiling. The No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft averaged 21.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals last season, leading the Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs following a dreadful 28-win season the year before.

“Current Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson only has one year left on his deal, and Derrick Rose has averaged just over 38 healthy games per season over the past eight years. Russell is under contract for the next four years and could create one of the Eastern Conference’s best one-two combos with Blake Griffin.

“Getting Cauley-Stein (11.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists) gives the Pistons a solid Drummond replacement who’s still only 26. If injuries bite the Pistons and they miss the playoffs, the lottery protection allows them to keep their first-round pick.”

This move would bring benefits for both sides. The Pistons will clear out the issues in the frontcourt, and they will be able to work on the backcourt.

The Warriors have other problems. Drummond will give them some a lot of size under the rim.