The Philadelphia 76ers made it official as they signed free agent centre Andre Drummond on Sunday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, however, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported last week when negotiations opened that it is a two-year, $10 million contract.
Drummond previously played with the 76ers during the 2021-22 season until he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a blockbuster trade for superstar guard James Harden.
“I am thrilled that Andre is coming back to the 76ers,” 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a release. “A tremendous presence, and one of the best rebounders the modern NBA has seen, he made a great impact with us during his first stint in Philly and we know he’ll do the same this time around.
“Andre possesses an innate ability to attack the glass and will fortify our formidable front-court.”
Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds over 79 games last season with the Chicago Bulls.
The two-time all-star and four-time rebounding champion will be relied upon as a veteran backup to Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP is coming off yet another campaign shortened by injuries, playing in just 39 games last season.
Drummond, 30, has averaged 12.7 points and 12.4 rebounds over his 12 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Bulls.
After months of speculation and rumors, it has finally been confirmed that Andre Drummond has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The news comes as a surprise to many NBA fans, as Drummond was previously playing for the Los Angeles Lakers before being bought out of his contract.
Drummond, a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s top rebounders, is expected to bring a strong defensive presence to the 76ers. With his ability to protect the rim and grab boards at an elite level, Drummond will undoubtedly bolster Philadelphia’s frontcourt and provide valuable depth behind star center Joel Embiid.
The addition of Drummond also gives the 76ers more flexibility in their lineup, allowing them to experiment with different combinations and play styles. His versatility on both ends of the court will make him a valuable asset for head coach Doc Rivers as he looks to lead the team deep into the playoffs.
While some may question how Drummond will fit in with the 76ers’ already stacked roster, there is no denying his talent and potential impact on the team. With his size, athleticism, and experience, Drummond has the potential to make a significant contribution to Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.
Overall, the signing of Andre Drummond is a major win for the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans. His presence on the court will undoubtedly make them a stronger and more formidable team as they look to compete for an NBA title in the upcoming season.