When the Detroit Pistons let Greg Monroe walk in free agency this summer they made it very clear that Andre Drummond was their guy. Drummond and Monroe had been playing together for a few years but Stan Van Gundy didn't like the fit so he let Monroe leave and now it is Drummond alone down low to carry the load for the Pistons. Now that it is clear Drummond is the guy the Pistons might make that even more evident financially as it seems a contract extension is in the works, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
Typically the deadline for extensions with players on their rookie deals is October 31st but this year the NBA has pushed it back to Novermber 2nd which gives teams and players a little longer to negotiate. Five players have already agreed to extensions this offseason Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Jonas Valanciunas, John Henson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Both Davis and Lillard signed big-time maximum extensions and that is likely the type of deal Drummond will get.
Drummond's extension could be five years and $120 million with the Pistons should they use their Designated Player status on him. At this point the Designated Player status seems like a very realistic option as Drummond has shown in his three years with Detroit that he is a great player.
The only reason an extension wouldn't get done between the Pistons and Drummond is because the Pistons could get some salary cap relief if they wait until next summer to address his contract. Drummond would become a restricted free agent next summer should they not reach a deal by November 2nd but the salary cap relief is reportedly not an issue for Detroit.
Drummond is not a perfect player by any means as he has shot just 40 percent from the free throw line in his career but he is an elite athlete and rebounder and is still just 22 years old. The former UConn Husky has averaged 12.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in his three year career so far while shooting 57 percent from the field. Drummond's field goal percentage took a dip last season but he is still a young, improving player and the Piston's would be very wise to lock him down as soon as possible.
