Andre Drummond could be on the move ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline, but it appears he won't need to search for a new home in Georgia.
The Hawks are "no longer engaging" with the Pistons on a deal for the two-time All-Star, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. Atlanta emerged as a potential destination earlier this month, but the Hawks are comfortable walking away from Drummond and considering other options ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft and free agency, per Haynes.
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While the Hawks are out on Drummond, they may be considering a trade involving another big man. Haynes reports that Thunder center Steven Adams is "on the Hawks' radar." The 26-year-old is one of a few Oklahoma City players who could soon be part of trade conversations. Adams is solid rebounder, screen setter and finisher in the paint and would pair nicely with Trae Young.
In terms of trade mechanics, Adams is on the books for $25.8 million this season and $27.5 million in 2020-21, so it would be a challenge for most teams to land him. Fortunately for the Hawks, they have multiple expiring contracts (Chandler Parsons at $25.1 million, Evan Turner at $18.6 million, Allen Crabbe at $18.5 million) and could offer a first-round pick acquired from the Nets or one of their own selections.
If Atlanta ultimately chooses to let the deadline pass without a major change to its roster, the front office could then pursue Drummond in free agency without losing any assets, assuming he declines the $28.8 million player option on his current contract. The Hawks own the worst record in the Eastern Conference (9-32), so there isn't a great reason to rush into a deal for a nonexistent playoff push.
Drummond will still be a player to watch over the next few weeks, as multiple teams have asked about him, including the Knicks. But don't expect to see him in a Hawks jersey — at least not this season.
