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The winds of change are blowing off the shores of Lake Erie, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are beginning to feel them. Despite making it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Cavs not having Jarrett Allen was a difference maker against the Boston Celtics, for better or worse.
Sure, having Allen out there would’ve made a difference inside for the Cavs against the Celtics, who were without Kristaps Porzingis for the entire series. But, without Allen, it became abundantly clear that Evan Mobley, Allen’s front co-star, is better suited for taking over Allen’s spot as Cleveland’s starting center on a full-time basis.
Not only did this become clear for the Cavs, but it became clear for the rest of the league as well. Sources tell ClutchPoints that the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls, and Memphis Grizzlies are all teams already monitoring Allen’s future with Cleveland. But, with the playoff revelation that the Cavs are trying to play like a modern team while starting two centers has only amplified interest in Allen, casting serious doubt on Allen’s future with Cleveland.
Should the Cavs break up Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley?
Unless Evan Mobley suddenly starts firing away from the perimeter, mitigating the concern offensively of him and Jarrett Allen sharing the floor together, the best course of action might be to break up the Tower City tandem. Thankfully, considering Allen had a stellar year, arguably the best in his career despite obvious All-Star and All-Defensive snubs, Cleveland may have a golden opportunity to try and get the best possible returns for Allen.
But, when considering the Pelicans, the Bulls, and the Grizzlies, how bold can the Cavs be in any possible trade discussions surrounding Allen?
The expectation on Cleveland’s side of things should be a high-impact player who can contribute immediately and a combination of young players or draft picks to help the Cavs make further moves down the line. With that in mind, it become a little bit more clear on what Cleveland could and should be asking for.
From Memphis, the Cavs obviously won’t get either Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr. in a possible deal with the Grizzlies. However, with Memphis looking to return to the top of the Western Conference and in serious need of a big man like Allen, the Grizzlies cannot give up scraps either.
That’s why if Cleveland were to entertain a deal with Memphis, the Cavs should ask the Grizzlies for either Marcus Smart or a combination of Luke Kennard and Brandon Clarke, along with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft or a young player like Ziare Williams.
While that might seem like a lot from Memphis, the same standard should be held for teams like Chicago and New Orleans as well. If the Bulls want Allen, then it should cost them Alex Caruso, Dalen Terry, and the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. For the Pelicans, meanwhile, a realistic return for Allen would have to include Herb Jones, Larry Nance Jr., the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and either Jeremiah Robinson-Earl or Jose Alvarado.
No matter what, if Cleveland begins to seriously consider trading Allen, they have to find a return that equates to the big man’s on-court impact while being mindful that Mobley is taking over at center. That means finding depth behind Mobley and putting spacing around him or depth at other positions of need. It’ll be a delicate path for the Cavs to walk but, with how well Allen played during the 2023-24 campaign, Cleveland should get some generous offers this offseason.
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