top of page

Summary

If I were Drummond, I would be hesitant to opt-out considering the likelihood of increasing his salary seems low. However, opting out could be beneficial in the long-term. The free agent class of 2020 will be weak, and Drummond should consider that he may be able to get a significantly bigger contract as a 27 year old free agent in 2020 than as a 28 year old free agent in 2021.

 

Despite not living up to the defensive limitations that earned him comparisons to Dwight Howard early in his career, Drummond still puts up big rebounding numbers and can at times be a force inside offensively. While there is some debate about the value of Drummond's defensive rebounding (his team has often rebounded better with him off the court, and some argue boxing out more would be more helpful than chasing every rebound), his offensive rebounding is certainly valuable, as his offensive rebounding rate is at the top of the league.

Cap Considerations

Drummond has a player option option for his $28.8 million salary in 2020-2021, and will be an unrestricted free agent with a $32.7 million cap hold and full Bird rights if he opts out. If Drummond opts out and signs elsewhere, the Cavaliers could have a significant amount of cap space.

 

If the Cavs plan on re-signing Drummond, they will be operating over the salary cap and have no restrictions on re-signing him. If Drummond is re-signed on a multi-year contract, front-loading his contract could be beneficial for the Cavs as it could give them more flexibility in the future. However, this could potentially push the Cavs near the luxury tax, depending on what happens with their other free agents.

 

Drummond will certainly demand a starting salary of more than the full $9.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which means only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Drummond and an over-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.

Potential Teams: Cavaliers, Knicks, Wizards, Hornets, Wizards

Predicted Contract: Opt-In - $28.8 million

If he opts out: 3-year, $65 million with the Cavaliers

Actual Contract: Opt-In: $28.8 million

​

Drummond predictably opted in, as he would not have received similar money in free agency, and will still be decently young as a free agent in 2021 to try and get a solid long-term contract.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

bottom of page