Andre Drummond Posts Classy Message to Chicago After Departing as Free Agent

After two productive seasons with the Chicago Bulls, veteran Andre Drummond signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers when free agency opened Sunday. As disappointing as it was, it was also expected. Drummond had shown that he was one of the NBA’s best backup centers and that he was going to get a contract that matched that value, and that he would be targeted by a title contender.

Following the announcement of his departure, Drummond shared a heartfelt message with Bulls fans, thanking them for their love and support. Calling it an “honor” to wear a Bulls jersey, the 30-year-old big man showed as much class leaving Chicago as he did playing there.

Drummond first arrived in Chicago on a two-year, $6.6 million contract in the summer of 2022. Since then, he has far outperformed his contract. He was arguably the Bulls’ best center last season given Nikola Vucevic’s struggles. While Vucevic was wildly inefficient on offense and miserable on defense as usual, Drummond was a dominant rebounder, a solid rim protector, and a valuable interior presence. Appearing in 79 games, starting 10 and playing 17 minutes per game, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9 rebounds last season.

The Bulls intend to replace Drummond with Jalen Smith, who they signed to a three-year, $27 million contract. Smith isn’t Drummond’s dominant physical and athletic force, but he’s a talented offensive player who can stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways. At 24, he has the potential to be a long-term part of the Bulls’ core.

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