The Miami Heat have been linked to other backup centers recently, but there may not be a better hypothetical option for the team than Andre Drummond. Even though he's still on a roster at the moment, there's a chance the Philadelphia 76ers can hand him on a silver platter to the Heat.
If the recent rumors are any indication, the Sixers could be exploring the idea of trading Drummond in an attempt to make room to sign Quentin Grimes, who remains a restricted free agent at the moment.
If the Sixers were to salary dump Drummond to another team, perhaps one like the Brooklyn Nets (who have the cap space to absorb a potential contract), it would probably almost certainly end in a buyout at some point later this season.
Considering the Heat will keep their 15th roster spot open for the time being, if the timing does match up in a few months, a buyout of Drummond could help give the Heat their answer behind Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware in the frontcourt.
Andre Drummond could be a fit for the Heat
It's easy to see why Drummond could be a strong fit for the Heat behind Bam and Ware. On paper, he does seem like the exact type of center they need off their bench. Even though he may no longer be in the prime of his career, he's still a force in the middle and has some rim-protecting ability left in the tank.
It's also easy to forget that Drummond is still just 32 years old. Drummond has bounced all around the league over the last few years, but the Heat could give him the supporting role that he could be seeking if the Sixers were to trade him.
Last year, as a backup for Joel Embiid in Philly, Drummond averaged seven points and eight rebounds in 40 games played. He also managed to start 23 because of injuries to the Sixers' frontcourt.
If Drummond can even be a fraction of that productive in a smaller role with the Heat at some point this season, that would help solve the team's depth concerns at the center position. Admittedly, there are a few dominoes that would have to fall before he'd even be an option for the Heat, but they could be a perfect pairing for each other down the line.
Especially if Miami does end up playing the long game with their final roster spot for this season, Drummond is certainly one name to keep a close eye on as a potential option for their final roster spot.