Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond has a big career decision coming up less than a year from now.

But the secret is already out.

Drummond recently made his intentions clear when he said he will be "a free agent next summer."

Drummond has one year remaining on the five-year, $127.2 million contract he signed in 2016, then has a $28.8 million player option for the 2020-21 season.

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Drummond, 26, was speaking recently at the Osgood Shootout tournament in New Britain, Connecticut. He moved to the state when he was young, played at UConn for one season and was the ninth overall draft pick in 2012 by the Pistons.

Here's the exchange:

Reporter: You've got a lot of years left, you're still a young player.

Drummond: I'm a free agent next summer.

Reporter: Looking forward to that?

Drummond: Yeah, it should be fun, I'm excited. I think I'm the only one that has a big contract coming up that year.

The two-time All-Star then discussed how important it is to play well in a contract year this season and help the team win.

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The situation, of course, could change over the next 10-plus months, but if healthy, it makes sense for Drummond to lock in a new long-term contract. If he opts out, the Pistons will have the ability to give him a new deal or they could try using their cap space elsewhere. They could have over $30 million in space.

The 2020 free agency class lacks the stars of past years, and pales in comparison to the fireworks of this summer. That could help Drummond.

He is arguably the biggest name who could hit the market as an unrestricted free agent, after Draymond Green signed an extension with Golden State in early August. Anthony Davis, who has a player option, is widely expected to re-sign with the L.A. Lakers.

What kind of deal might Drummond be looking for? In free agency this summer, All-Star center Nikola Vucevic, 28, signed a four-year, $100 million deal to stay with Orlando.

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Last season, Drummond helped the Pistons reach the playoffs for the second time in his seven seasons, but they were once again swept in the first round, and haven't won a playoff game since 2008.

He had a big second half of the season and finished with averages of 17.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, but struggled against the Milwaukee Bucks in the postseason. He was ejected in the third quarter of Game 1, and was booed in Game 3 at home.

The Pistons open the season Oct. 23 in Indiana.

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