The Pistons were accused of agreeing to a future contract with Andre Drummond during the extension window last summer (and, yeah, they probably did).
So, it’s little surprise the deal is still on track.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons are nearing agreement on a five-year max deal in the $130 million range, league sources tell ESPN
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2016
Drummond’s max projects to be about $128 million over five years (same as Bradley Beal’s max). But the exact amount won’t be determined until the salary cap is set this week.
Drummond can’t officially sign until July 7, but there’s no rush. His cap hold is $8,180,228, and his starting salary projects to be about $22 million. The Pistons can spend that difference of about $14 million then use Drummond’s Bird Rights to exceed the cap to re-sign him.
That flexibility is the whole reason Detroit didn’t extend Drummond. So, there’s no point of jumping the gun now.
The important part is terms being agreed upon. Making the contract official can wait.
