Earlier this offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers and big man Jarrett Allen came to terms on a three-year, $90.7 million contract extension. Prior to the new contract, Allen appeared in numerous trade rumors. However, despite the extension, teams around the NBA are not expected to give up their pursuit of the 26-year-old. According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), many teams around the league do not see Allen and Evan Mobley as a long-term fit. Because of this, they will continue to pursue Allen.
“Jarrett Allen thus becomes eligible to traded on Feb. 2, 2025 … four days before next season’s deadline. Rest assured that the Cavaliers’ proverbial phone will continue to ring with Allen interest, as it has for years, given the ongoing belief leaguewide that Evan Mobley and Allen are a suspect long-term fit as a duo.”
The Cavaliers acquired Allen in 2021 in the four-team trade that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. Since joining the Cavaliers, Allen has played some of the best basketball of his career. In parts of four seasons, the California native has averaged 15.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. During the 2021-22 season, his first full year in Cleveland, Allen was selected to his first career All-Star game. Additionally, Allen finished in the top 10 for Defensive Player of the Year voting last season.
NBA Teams Expected to Pursue Jarrett Allen
The Cleveland Cavaliers Are Keeping the Core Together
In addition to Allen, the Cavaliers extended a couple of other major core players this summer. This includes star Donovan Mitchell, who signed a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension. Additionally, this includes Mobley, who signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $269 million. Last season, the Cavaliers finished with a 48-34 record and earned the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, after a seven-game series win against the Orlando Magic, the Cavaliers won their first playoff series without LeBron James since 1993. Ultimately, the Cavaliers lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in the second round.
With their moves from this offseason, it seems the Cavaliers are willing to run it back with their core for the long haul. Despite not agreeing to a contract extension yet, guard Darius Garland appears committed to the team for the future. For a month or so, his name appeared in trade rumors. However, the former All-Star has made it clear he does “not want to be traded.”
“I don’t want to be traded. Those are just rumors,” Garland said.
The Last Word on Jarrett Allen
Allen has played well during his Cavaliers stint so far. Locking him up for the long run makes sense for both sides. However, if teams are planning to continue pursuing him, it could make sense for the Cavaliers to weigh their options down the line. Regardless, it seems the Cavaliers have no interest in a trade at this point. Currently, their focus is on heading back to the postseason and making a deep playoff run. In June, the team hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. The Cavaliers could benefit with Atkinson at the helm if they want to become title contenders again.
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