NBA Notes: Cavs, Jarrett Allen, Timberwolves, Joe Ingles, Heat

Cavaliers

There’s no denying the frontcourt pairing of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley has worked, but hey, that’s not about to stop the speculation.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports that teams are “monitoring how Cleveland starts the season,” with some rival executives wondering if Allen could eventually hit the trade block.

Mannix notes that while the Allen-Mobley duo has been “a smashing success” in protecting Cleveland’s smaller backcourt, evaluators still see Mobley’s long-term home as a full-time center.

Allen, for his part, remains one of the most efficient bigs in basketball, shooting a league-best 70.6 percent from the field last season while anchoring one of the NBA’s stingiest defenses.

That said, the Cavaliers would probably have to stumble badly for the front office to even consider breaking up their core four of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Mobley, and Allen.

As of now, it’s business as usual. And the Cavs still look like one of the league’s most balanced rosters.

Timberwolves

Veteran forward Joe Ingles is dealing with a left groin strain and will be reevaluated in about a week, the Timberwolves announced.

Minnesota doesn’t tip off the regular season until October 22, so the injury might not cost Ingles any real games. Even if it does, the 38-year-old’s role remains minimal. He logged just 19 appearances last season and played a total of 114 minutes.

Ingles re-signed with the Wolves this summer and is entering his second year in Minnesota after a long career that includes stops in Utah and Milwaukee. He owns career averages of 7.9 points and 3.5 assists across 723 games.

Heat

Miami continues to shuffle the back end of its preseason roster, re-signing guard Gabe Madsen and waiving Trevor Keels, the team announced.

Madsen, who originally signed an Exhibit 10 deal last month before being released to make room for Precious Achiuwa, returns on an Exhibit 9 contract.

The 6-foot-6 guard played five collegiate seasons — one at Cincinnati and four at Utah — averaging 12 points and shooting 36 percent from deep.

Keels, a former Duke standout, scored 12 points in the Heat’s preseason opener but was the odd man out in Miami’s latest roster move.