Two-time All-Star Andre Drummond says he plans to pick up his player option that will keep him in Cleveland for another year.
Drummond, who was traded to the Cavaliers by the Detroit Pistons in February, has a $28.75 million option for the 2020-21 season.
He said on Tuesday’s episode of the ESPN podcast Le Batard & Friends — STUpodity that he “definitely” will be in Cleveland next season.
“Yeah, it’s going to be hard to give up, so you can count on me being in Cleveland still,” Drummond said when pressed on whether he plans to exercise his option.
“I definitely will be in Cleveland.”
The Cavaliers traded guard Brandon Knight, forward John Henson and the lesser of Cleveland’s and Golden State’s 2023 second-round picks to acquire Drummond.
Cavs general manager Koby Altman said in February that picking up Drummond was worth the gamble even though he could become a free agent this summer.
“For us, I think in terms of his age and what he brings to our team, absolutely we consider him a potential long-term play,” Altman said. “Obviously he has a player option that, if he picks up, we think we’re in good shape in terms of our cap space. There’s no better money spent than Andre Drummond if he does pick up his player option.”