Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has decided to stay put by exercising his $5 million player option for the 2025-26 season, an insider disclosed to ESPN. Despite playing a reduced role last season, Drummond provided valuable contributions on the court, especially in the absence of fellow big man Joel Embiid. Averaging 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 50% from the field, Drummond's presence was felt in the paint.
The decision to retain Drummond was reinforced by the team's strategic move in the NBA draft, selecting Auburn's promising center Johni Broome in the second round. This signals a continuation of the 76ers' commitment to bolstering their frontcourt depth. Drummond, who re-joined Philadelphia last season after a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets, is set to build on his established chemistry with the team and further solidify their formidable lineup. With Drummond's return, the 76ers are gearing up for an even more competitive season ahead.