The New York Knicks agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with veteran center Andre Drummond on Friday, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
The move comes on the heels of former Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson reaching a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics. Mitchell's departure was expected after Knicks chairman James Dolan said he wouldn't allow his team to go into the punitive luxury tax second apron.
Drummond's on-court production is similar to what Robinson gave the Knicks last season, especially as a rebounder. As a member of the Detroit Pistons, Drummond led the NBA in offensive rebounds per game for seven straight seasons, and four times, he led the league in rebounding (in 2015-16 and from 2017 to 2020).
In recent years, Drummond has played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers. During the past two seasons, he backed up Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. Drummond averaged 6.8 points and 8.2 rebounds in 19.2 minutes in 103 games (48 starts) with the 76ers.
"Philly will always have a special place in my heart," Drummond wrote as part of a social media post Friday. "Nothing but love and gratitude as I move into the next chapter."
Drummond will now back up Karl-Anthony Towns.
Robinson's offensive rebounding and defense were integral to the Knicks winning the NBA championship, and Drummond will be tasked to offer the same.
"To the Knicks fans, I know what this city expects, and I'm ready to embrace it. I'm coming in with gratitude, hunger, and a mindset to work," Drummond wrote in concluding his post. "Let's make this chapter special."
A two-time All-Star, Drummond has averaged 12.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game over 14 seasons. His best season came in 2017-18, when he averaged 15.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.
