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Knicks back and forth on Andre Drummond before NBA trade deadline

The Knicks have been back and forth on banished Cleveland center Andre Drummond for several weeks. The Post reported on Feb. 24 the Knicks were “analyzing’’ his impact and whether Drummond

The Knicks have been back and forth on banished Cleveland center Andre Drummond for several weeks.

The Post reported on Feb. 24 the Knicks were “analyzing’’ his impact and whether Drummond would make a good fit with power forward Julius Randle. The Knicks were searching for big-man depth after hand surgery to starting center Mitchell Robinson.

The Post had reported Drummond, a Mount Vernon native, would consider the Knicks an appealing destination.

With Robinson’s return this week and center Nerlens Noel succeeding in holding down the fort, it appeared the Knicks’ interest had lessened as the Cavaliers shopped Drummond around the league.

While a trade does not seem likely by Thursday’s deadline, according to a source, the Knicks will still have interest if the Cavaliers waive him. Drummond hasn’t played since Feb. 12 as Cleveland sought a trade.

Andre Drummond
NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks front office have been split on a Drummond addition. Brock Aller, the team’s chief strategist, was with Cleveland when the Cavaliers acquired Drummond in a trade with Detroit last season.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is not opposed to a talent infusion up front — especially with rookie lottery-pick big man Obi Toppin not yet ready to contribute on the NBA level and Randle logging the league’s most minutes. The move would make a lot of sense if the Knicks believe Drummond could play in an alignment with Robinson or Noel to give Randle more of a breather.

Thibodeau’s stock line is “I have a strong bias for good players.’’

The Ringer reported Wednesday the Knicks could become “a serious potential destination’’ for Drummond, though it’s been widely assumed the Lakers and Nets were front-runners if there’s no trade.

Drummond was averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who are moving forward with ex-Net Jarrett Allen.

This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Marc Berman

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