Andrew Buller-Russ
In the NBA, all eyes are on the Damian Lillard trade situation right now. But for teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are all set with a young All-Star at point guard, they’re focused on their own goals of improving the roster.
Following a first-round playoff exit, the Cavaliers are open to making changes to their core this summer. That could even include parting with 2022 NBA All-Star Jarrett Allen, one of the best centers in the NBA.
According to Marc Stein, the Cavaliers are now “more open” to trading the 25-year-old 6-foot-11 center now than ever before. One of the reasons mentioned was Allen’s struggles during their postseason loss to the New York Knicks in just five games.
After averaging 14.3 PPG, 9.8 RPG, and 1.2 BPG during the regular season, Allen saw his numbers dip to 9.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 1 BPG against the Knicks.
Allen is in the third season of a five-year, $100 million contract, earning $20M in 2023-24. The Cavs also have Evan Mobley playing power forward, and he’s actually an inch taller than Allen. Yet, behind them, there isn’t really another capable center on the roster, meaning if the Cavs are serious about parting with Allen, they’ll have to bring in another big.
It’s unclear who the Cavs may be targeting if they are actually considering trading their defensive stalwart, but it’s hard to envision Allen not drawing a lot of interest as a consistent paint presence who makes an impact on both ends of the floor.
