Top 3 Potential Trading Spots for Jarrett Allen, Should Cleveland Cavaliers Implement Drastic Roster Changes
The Cleveland Cavaliers are finding themselves in an unexpected offseason following a disappointing early playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers in five games. Now, with some significant questions on the horizon, the team needs to make some tough decisions this summer.
One of the major dilemmas is whether to renew the contract of Ty Jerome amidst potential penalties due to the first and second apron. Another crucial matter is whether a backcourt consisting of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell is strong enough to bring home the championship. However, the biggest question looming over Cleveland may well be whether trading Jarrett Allen is the right move.
Allen, who made his first All-Star team last season, has been a solid player for the Cavs. Yet, his performance, particularly in the playoffs, has been underwhelming. His numbers suggest that alongside the rise of Evan Mobley, there may be concerns about Allen's perfect fit on the roster. Mobley isn't a reliable enough shooter, and Allen's style seems to clog the paint on defense.
Given time, Cleveland can make their decision, and the hunt for the right trade partner continues. In the meantime, here are three teams that could provide Allen an ideal home should he be moved.
1. Golden State Warriors
Golden State, another team that fell early in the playoffs, is currently crafting their offseason strategy. According to sources at ESPN, the Warriors seek playmaking wings or centers this summer. Though Allen is not a playmaking wing, he can thrive as a defensive presence in the Golden State frontcourt.
Throughout their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Warriors experienced trouble in the paint. Facing big centers like Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, they often struggled to maintain control. Allen's physical defensive style and rebounding capabilities would be invaluable in alleviating these problems, providing Golden State with a significant boost.
Offensively, Allen presents a new element that the Warriors haven't enjoyed in years: the ability to catch lobs from Stephen Curry. Should Allen join the Warriors, a host of exciting new possibilities emerge for Steve Kerr's lineup, offering them a fresh chance to contend in the Western Conference.
Though the Warriors' general manager has stated that they won't rush into dealing their young players, Allen could potentially change their minds. A trade involving Allen may trigger negotiations, and if the Warriors are interested, they may be quick to act.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Following a fall at the hands of the Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers are another team in search of an answer at center. The Lakers' rotations and player conditioning were their biggest issues in the playoffs, with Rudy Gobert dominating the interior in their series-clinching loss. As a result, Los Angeles is also searching for a center that can make a difference.
Potentially, Allen could do just that. He could provide the Lakers with a reliable defensive presence and offensive output in transition. Having Allen on the team would open up new offensive opportunities for Stephen Curry, allowing him to throw down lobs more often.
Should the Lakers covet Allen, Austin Reaves may be the first Cavs player they target in a potential trade. However, the Lakers have stated that they are hesitant to part with their young scorer. Nevertheless, should the Lakers decide that Allen is the missing piece they need for a championship run, they could change their tune.
3. Phoenix Suns
In the Western Conference arms race, the Phoenix Suns may soon part ways with Kevin Durant. While a one-for-one swap involving Allen and Durant is unlikely for the Cavs, they could still engineer a three-team trade to make a deal happen. For Phoenix, acquiring Allen would provide them with a new partner for Devin Booker, facilitating the team's pursuit of another deep playoff run.
Keeping Booker happy for the remainder of his career is vital to the Suns' long-term outlook. However, Phoenix needs a co-star who can complement Booker's talent and help them challenge the other powerhouses in the Western Conference. By trading for Allen, the Suns might just have found their solution.
The age gap between Allen and Durant makes them a potentially perfect duo. Should the Suns swap Allen for Durant, they would have a core that could lead them on another deep playoff run in the Western Conference. The timing would need to be just right for both teams, but a successful trade could soon become a reality.
- The Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen, with his defensive skills and rebounding capabilities, could potentially become an invaluable addition to the Golden State Warriors, who are in search of a defensive presence to address their struggles in the paint.
- The Los Angeles Lakers, looking for a reliable center to boost their playoff chances, could find a potential solution in Jarrett Allen, who could provide them with a defensive presence and offensive output in transition.
