Pelicans could target Cavaliers star this summer

The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to allow Jonas Valanciunas to leave in free agency. They are reportedly looking to retool their roster to better suit Zion Williamson's talents. 

According to Will Guillory of The Athletic, Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers could emerge as a potential target. His comments came during an appearance on the "HoopsHype" podcast with Michael Scotto. 

“I think Jarrett Allen is another guy the Pelicans would be interested in for their center position,” Guillory said.

Allen is sidelined from the Cavaliers rotation with a rib injury. However, when healthy, he's been a major part of his team's run to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Yet, his rim-running and vertical lob threat don't project to be the ideal fit next to Williamson's powerful slashing. Allen would pose similar spacing issues to Valanciunas, but he wouldn't provide the perimeter scoring the veteran center currently gives the Pelicans.

Nevertheless, Allen, 26, does fit the Pelicans' age profile. His athleticism would give them another above-the-rim threat and allow the team to play faster. His size and rim protection could also elevate the team's ability to get out in transition and run different defensive coverages. 

Allen has two years remaining on his five-year, $100 million deal. The Cavaliers would likely want a fair return for a player who has impressed when healthy this season. However, New Orleans has many tradeable assets, including young talent and draft picks. The Cavaliers could also find themselves in a tough spot if they're forced to move on from Donovan Mitchell before losing him for nothing next season. 

The Pelicans will likely be active during the offseason. Whether they successfully pursue Allen will likely hinge on Mitchell's tenure with Cleveland. Still, the Pelicans' roster will likely look significantly different in a couple of months.