Pacers free agency options within the Central division
By Scott Conrad
2. Andre Drummond
With Myles Turner still under contract with the Pacers, Indiana looks to lock up Siakam, too. It never hurts to have a versatile and dependable big man that can crash the boards and play some defense. These are two areas of improvement Carlisle will need to implore on the new season.
Drummond averaged almost 8.5 points a game while pulling nearly 10 rebounds a contest. While also on the wrong side of 30, the Pacers were a relatively young team. By bringing on another veteran who does what Indiana needs, they could return to the Eastern Conference Finals.
He finished last year's regular season strong by recording five double-doubles (points and rebounds) in his last eight games. Consistency is key for any player coming off the second unit. In the event that Jalen Smith and Obi Toppin depart in free agency, signing Drummond would soften those blows.
Just like Crowder, also a twelve-year veteran, he, too, made close to $3.2 million last year. Drummond may not be interested in a one-year offer. Thus, negotiating a two or three year deal for under $8-10 million could still make both sides happy.