Restricted free agent Andre Drummond is close to an agreement to sign a maximum contract extension with the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. The 22-year-old center is expected to sign a deal that will come in at $130 million over five years, with an opt out after the fourth year.
Andre Drummond reportedly close to re-signing with Pistons for 5 years, $130 million
The Pistons have nearly locked up their budding star at center on a maximum contract.
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Drummond is coming off his best year in the league, averaging 16.2 points and a league-leading 14.8 rebounds per game as the Pistons made the postseason for the first time since 2009. They were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, but it was a year of growth for the Stan Van Gundy-coached Pistons.
Drummond was always expected to re-sign with the Pistons. In October, the Pistons passed on giving him an extension before the in-season deadline because waiting and keeping his cap hold on the books increased Detroit’s cap space, Van Gundy told ESPN. After the Pistons were eliminated from the playoffs, owner Tom Gores was adamant that the Pistons would do everything they could to sign their All-Star.
“I think he’s had a great year, an All-Star, more double-doubles (than anyone else in the NBA), and when you look at the other centers in the league -- everybody’s got something (a weakness) but I’m proud of the 22-year-old man,” Gores said.
The youngster is still developing his game on both sides of the ball, but his athleticism and size has pushed him into the league’s elite as an imposing force in the lane. His biggest weakness comes at the free-throw line, where he shot a miserable 35.5 percent last season.
With Drummond locked up for the long haul, the Pistons are poised to climb in the Eastern Conference. Reggie Jackson signed a 5-year, $80-million deal last summer. With a young core of Jackson, Drummond, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Stanley Johnson and Tobias Harris, the Pistons have a promising future.
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