DETROIT (AP) — Pistons owner Tom Gores says keeping Andre Drummond in the fold is a top priority, and that Detroit needs to take another step forward after making the playoffs a season ago.
Gores was on hand Monday at the opening of the team’s new training center and corporate headquarters in midtown Detroit. The new facility completes the team’s move to the city from suburban Auburn Hills. The Pistons are entering their third season playing their games at Little Caesars Arena downtown.
The $90 million Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center includes a sports medicine, treatment and rehab facility managed by the Henry Ford Health System, as well as retail and public spaces.
Gores was asked afterward about a possible contract extension for Drummond, the team’s standout center. He spoke highly of Drummond but did not elaborate on any possible negotiations.
It’s a top priority to Tom Gores to make sure Andre Drummond remains a Piston after this season. pic.twitter.com/Gm5KwATLsa
— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) October 7, 2019
Drummond has a $28.8 player option for next season and has all but said he will opt out and become a free agent. While he could sign an extension with the Pistons, that seems an unlikely path.
The Pistons can offer Drummond one extra year and larger raises on a new contract compared to any other team. Drummond may be more important to and a better fit with the Pistons than anywhere else, but in what will be a down free agent market, a number of teams will be lined up to pay Drummond.
Additional reporting was added to this version the AP story by Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.