Andre Drummond Posts Classy Message to Chicago After Leaving in Free Agency

After two productive seasons with the Chicago Bulls, veteran big man Andre Drummond signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers when free agency opened on Sunday. As disappointing as this was, it was also expected. Drummond had shown that he was one of the best backup centers in the NBA and was going to get a contract commensurate with that value, and would be targeted by a championship 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 was as classy leaving Chicago as he was playing in it.

Bulls News: Andre Drummond Shares Heartfelt Message with Fans

Drummond first arrived in Chicago on a two-year, $6.6 million contract in the summer of 2022. Since then, he outplayed his contract in a big way. One could argue that he was the best center on the Bulls last season considering how badly Nikola Vucevic struggled. While Vucevic was extremely inefficient on the offensive end and miserable on the defensive end as usual, Drummond was a dominant rebounder, solid rim protector, and a valuable interior presence. Appearing in 79 games, starting in 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 the dominant physical and athletic force Drummond is but he is a talented offensive player who can stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways. At age 24, he has the upside to be a long-term piece for the Bulls' core.

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