Cavaliers benching Andre Drummond as they try to trade him

The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to move Andre Drummond ahead of the March 25 trade deadline, and the two-time All-Star center will not play until he is dealt.

Cavs GM Koby Altman recently spoke with Drummond and agent Jeff Schwartz, and the parties agreed that Drummond “would no longer be active for games,” according to ESPN.

Cleveland obtained 22-year-old center Jarrett Allen from the Nets in Brooklyn’s blockbuster trade for James Harden last month.

The report stated “there are no serious ongoing discussions with any team” involving Drummond, but according to The Athletic, the Cavs have been engaged with the Toronto Raptors in “active talks” on potential deal involving the 27-year-old former UConn star.

The Cavs had said that Drummond, a pending unrestricted free agent, didn’t play in Sunday’s loss to the Clippers for “rest,” but he wore a sweatshirt with “Farewell” on the front before the game.

“Whichever direction this goes, Andre is 27, in his prime, and I believe strongly that he has a great deal to add to a team building toward a postseason run,” Schwartz told ESPN.

The Nets and Lakers also figure to be interested in Drummond if the remainder of his $28.7 million expiring contract is bought out by Cleveland. The four-time NBA rebounding leader is averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 boards (second in the league) in 25 games this season.