Jarrett Allen trade rumors: Why Cavaliers could move defensive-minded center and what landing spots make sense

Jarrett Allen has been a core component of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ identity over the past several years. As the NBA continues to emphasize shooting, Cleveland’s two-big lineup featuring Allen and Evan Mobley has worked largely because of their stellar defense. The Cavaliers have posted three consecutive top-seven defenses, including a No. 1 ranking in 2023. That doesn’t happen without Allen.

But Allen’s last two postseasons have been disappointing. The Knicks dominated the Cavaliers, and Allen’s no-show on the boards against Mitchell Robinson was a major reason why. He went down with a rib injury against the Orlando Magic in the first round this postseason and did not return. Suddenly the Cavaliers are at a crossroads. They haven’t seriously contended in their first two seasons with Donovan Mitchell. If they plan to keep him long-term, changes are going to have to be made.

Will that include an Allen trade? Where might he go if he becomes available? And is giving him up even a good idea?

Why he’s in trade rumors

We just watched the Celtics win the championship with shooters at every position. Cleveland has zagged against that shift in conventional NBA playing style over the past few years with Allen and Mobley as a non-shooting front court. Lineups featuring the two of them scored only 111.3 points per 100 possessions this season, and their +0.9 net rating is bad for a starting front court. Unless Mobley develops a jumper, it’s hard to imagine this duo ever being viable offensively.

Allen isn’t exactly old. He’s just 26. He’s on a cheap contract as well, earning only $40 million combined over the next two seasons. But Mobley, at 22, has more upside, and he just thrived as a center in the playoffs when Allen went down with an injury. Allen is the superior rim-protector of the two, but Mobley’s success as a perimeter defender opens more schematic doors for the Cavaliers as their long-term big man.

And while it is unfair to question a player’s health, it’s worth noting that The Athletic reported after the Cavaliers were eliminated that…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/jarrett-allen-trade-rumors-why-cavaliers-could-move-defensive-minded-center-and-what-landing-spots-make-sense/

Author : Sam Quinn

Publish date : 2024-06-25 14:23:32

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