Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons are nearing a five-year, $130 million max contract, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
"I think he's had a great year, an All-Star, more double-doubles (than anyone else in the NBA), and when you look at the other centers in the league -- everybody's got something (a weakness) but I'm proud of the 22-year-old man," Detroit owner Tom Gores said.
Free agency began Friday at 12:01 AM ET and the Pistons moved quickly to try and lock up the rim protector. Now, the two parties are close to a deal.
The Pistons, with Drummond, will be ready to make a move in the Eastern Conference after finishing as the No. 8 seed in the 2015-16 season. With Reggie Jackson, Drummond, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Stanley Johnson, Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris, Detroit has a promising young core on their hands.
Drummond shot a horrible 35.5 percent from the free throw line last season, which is the biggest weakness of the 6-foot-11, 280-pound center. However, the 22-year-old led the league with 66 double-doubles last year and averaged 16.2 points, 14.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.5 steals.
The deal can't be officially signed until a league wide moratorium on signings and trades is lifted July 7, but sources said any outstanding minor details would be wrapped up later Friday.