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Nets Rumors: Latest Cavaliers-Andre Drummond buzz is huge for Brooklyn

By Thomas Carannante

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talks with Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets talks with Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets used a fourth-quarter surge to take down a battered Miami Heat team on Monday night and they finally showed some grit on the defensive end. However, we’re not sure how long that’ll last, especially against teams that are battling them at full strength.

After trading Jarrett Allen, it’s abundantly clear the Nets are suffering on the interior because fans know that DeAndre Jordan is not going to help this team stop premier big men when the playoffs roll around. The key to any big three flourishing is the depth and talent off the bench and, after the James Harden trade, the Nets are lacking badly in that department.

How could they address that? First, we heard about Kevin Love trade rumors, but those hardly make sense. He costs a ton and is a huge liability from a health perspective. Then, a more sensible rumor surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers surfaced in regards to Andre Drummond. Now, it’s beginning to pick up even more steam.

"“A couple of league sources mentioned after the Harden trade to Brooklyn that it’s a matter of time before [Drummond] finds his way into a buyout and joins up to give them help with the interior,” writes Zach Harper of The Athletic."

Only a matter of time?! Well, that’s a tremendous upgrade from earlier this week when a buyout was suspected and the Nets figured to be an apparent destination due to their struggles on defense and with rebounding. Drummond, although he’s not a lockdown defender, would at least provide considerable and athleticism size down low.

While the Nets are 10th in the NBA in rebounding, their offensive rebounding numbers are atrocious. They ranked 25th in the league with just 8.5 offensive boards per game. Even worse? They allow 50.1 points per game in the paint. That’s good for 28th.

Drummond, who’s led the league in rebounding four times, is averaging 14.6 boards per game this year, including 4.3 on the offensive end. Throw in a respectable defensive rating of 101, and this seems like a match made in heaven for the Nets given their deficiencies right now.

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