Andre Drummond is expected to depart from the Chicago Bulls this offseason, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Andre Drummond, who becomes an unrestricted free agent, played 79 games for the Bulls this season, averaging 8.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, with shooting percentages of 55.6% from the field and 59.2% from the free-throw line. The two-time All-Star also recorded 18 double-doubles during the season.
Drummond’s expected departure raises questions about the Bulls’ strategy moving forward. The team must consider how to address the potential void left by Drummond and whether to prepare for DeMar DeRozan possibly leaving in free agency.
If DeRozan returns, the Bulls might focus on drafting his heir apparent at the small forward position or finding a big man to replace Drummond while also injecting some youth to challenge starter Nikola Vucevic.
The Chicago Bulls nearly traded Drummond to the Philadelphia 76ers before pulling out of trade talks at the 2024 trade deadline. Drummond had attracted interest from multiple teams, including the 76ers, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets.