The Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent extension of Jarrett Allen does not necessarily indicate a long-term commitment to keeping him on the team. Instead, he could become a name to monitor ahead of the midseason NBA trade deadline in February.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Allen was “essentially obligated” to sign his three-year, $91 million contract extension by August 6, allowing the Cavaliers the option to trade him before the 2024-25 deadline potentially. Allen becomes eligible for a trade on February 2, 2025, six months after signing his new deal.
The Cavaliers have fully committed financially to their current core by completing new contracts in recent years. They have at least created the ability to maintain trade value for these players and leverage in trade discussions if the situation requires a change.
Is Jarrett Allen the right fit next to Evan Mobley?
Rival teams have long viewed the pairing of Allen and Evan Mobley as an awkward fit for the long term. Mobley is seen as a more natural center in the modern game, while Allen’s size and inability to stretch the floor limit him to playing center exclusively.
The other consideration is Mobley’s development after signing a five-year, $224.2 million contract earlier this summer. The Cavaliers must get the most out of his potential while robustly committing to his future. If it’s determined that the best path forward is to move on from Allen in order for Mobley to reach his ceiling, that’s something to monitor.
It’s important to note that Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers’ new head coach, does have prior success coaching Allen as a member of the Brooklyn Nets. He even challenged Allen to step out and shoot a low volume of three-point attempts. Could Atkinson get creative with how he uses Allen in Cleveland? That remains to be seen, but the organization has bought time to see the results.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Allen’s current contract pays him just $20 million per season for the next two years, below market value. Even with the extension, his salary will account for only about 16 percent of the salary cap from 2026-27 to 2028-29. The contract extends through Allen’s 30th birthday, covering what is typically the end of a player’s prime, especially for those with his skill set.
What about the Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell backcourt?
Despite some criticism and suggestions to trade for a better fit, the Cavaliers have remained steadfast in keeping their core together. Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, who excel with the ball in their hands, have had mixed results playing alongside each other. Since Mitchell joined the team, Garland has regressed from All-Star status over the past two seasons.
When Mitchell signed his extension with Cleveland this offseason, there was speculation that Garland might seek a way out. However, Garland quickly dispelled those rumors, and the Cavaliers’ front office appears committed to seeing how the current lineup performs for at least another season.
“I don’t want to be traded,” Garland told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “Those are just rumors.”
Still, if the Cavaliers struggle early in the 2024-25 season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see trade rumors surface once again. One of the most straightforward changes would be to reduce overlap in the frontcourt, particularly to create more runway for Mobley to maximize his potential.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
It’s not just Mobley’s development that must be considered. Mitchell faces more challenging circumstances in the half-court by not having a more spaced offense. Why not make it easier on the best player who has shown repeatedly to be an All-NBA caliber talent? While the benefit of a large frontcourt can be covering up two small guards, there is much to consider about this identity.
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