Cavs center Andre Drummond now has until October 17 to decide on player option

Since the Cavs were not extended an invite to Orlando to join the league in resuming play, their offseason is in full swing.

One major storyline for the team was whether or not trade deadline acquisition Andre Drummond would opt in to his $28.7 million player option. According to sources, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Drummond would pick up his player option and test the waters of free agency the following offseason.

Drummond himself as said as much.

“Yeah, it’s going to be hard to give up, so you can count on me being in Cleveland still,” Drummond said in an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of ESPN’s Le Batard & Friends STUpodity podcast. “I definitely will be in Cleveland.”

Although it seemed inevitable, we now have a clearer idea of when it will happen. As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Drummond now has until October 17 to opt in. Drummond, who has been solid in eight appearances for the Cavs averaging 17.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, would then have more time to audition with the team to secure a long term deal.

If it all works out in the end, then the Cavs were able to obtain a serious contributor in Drummond for pennies on the dollar. But if it doesn’t, then the Cavs should have an easy time moving his massive expiring contract to help teams shed salary leading up to a star studded free agency group.