Dallas Mavericks rumors: Interest in acquiring Andre Drummond

The Dallas Mavericks have won six of their last eight games as they are finally starting to heat up. The team got off to a slow start as they struggled with COVID issues. Dallas still has defensive questions, despite the win streak.

The trade market is beginning to heat up ahead of the March 25 deadline. Two former All-Stars are going to sit out as their teams search for moves. Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin both could be headed for the buyout market if the Cavaliers and Pistons cannot find trade partners.

Shams Charania reported (subscription required) that the Mavericks are one team that could have interest in Drummond if he were bought out. Should Dallas acquire him?

Dallas Mavericks rumored to interest in Andre Drummond: Should they get him?

First, Cleveland is looking to trade Drummond. The two-time All-Star is in the final year of his contract making $28.75 million. Any contending team would need to match that salary in a trade. The Mavs could deal James Johnson and Dwight Powell to Cleveland for Drummond. Dallas would need to add draft picks to make the deal work, but it is possible.

Does Drummond improve the Mavericks? He is a strong rebounder that can score 17 points per game. He creates turnovers and blocks shots, but Dallas needs to improve their defense, and Drummond does not move the needle. The Mavs would not be able to play Kristaps Porzingis and Drummond together in the playoffs because neither player can defend on the perimeter. The Cavaliers have a defensive rating of 115.4 this season with Drummond on the floor, which is worse than the Mavs 114.6.

If Drummond is bought out, Dallas could be interested in signing him for the minimum. The 27-year-old would have to accept a role as the backup center, though. Drummond could come off the bench and pile up the points and rebounds with the second unit. The two-time All-Star is not a fantastic fit with the Dallas Mavericks, though. Fans can read why they should avoid Drummond here.

The Cavaliers are going to move Andre Drummond somewhere. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.