UPDATE (3:30 p.m. CT):
Andre Drummond won't be a Maverick after all ... at least not for the time being, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday afternoon that the center opted into the final year of his $3.36 million deal with the Bulls.
According to Marc Stein, had Drummond declined his option, he was "expected" to quickly come to an agreement with the Mavs when free agency got underway at 5 p.m. Friday.
"Multiple rival teams have told me this week that they expect Dallas to come to terms early in free agency with former All-Star center Andre Drummond," Stein wrote. "Provided Drummond, as expected, declines his $3.36 million player option with Chicago before his Thursday’s deadline to do so."
Drummond opting into his contract doesn't prevent him from still becoming a Maverick through a trade, but it's not as likely that he ends up in Dallas at this juncture. The Mavs, of course, are in the process of moving on from Christian Wood and JaVale McGee, and rebuilding their frontcourt.
That began with drafting Dereck Lively II and signing Richaun Holmes. Now, it appears that they'll be moving on to their next option.
Drummond, 29, is still one of the game's premier rebounders in terms of skill. However, last season with Chicago, he played just 12.7 minutes per game in 67 games, averaging 6.6 rebounds, 6.0 points and 1.1 blocks.
For his career, Drummond averages 13.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. His best full season came in 2019-20, when he averaged 17.7 points 15.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks combined with the Pistons and the Cavaliers.
