This Celtics-Cavaliers trade proposal sends Jarrett Allen to Boston

One NBA writer is proposing that the Boston Celtics acquire All-Star center Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason.

Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed a three-team trade between the Celtics, Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs. Cleveland would get Doug McDermott, Danilo Gallinari and a first-round pick in 2025, Boston would receive Allen and San Antonio would acquire Grant Williams.

This would be a sign-and-trade deal with Williams becomes a restricted free agent this offseason.

“This deal features three teams in very different spots. Yet, they will all be looking to improve next season,” Piercey wrote. “The Cleveland Cavaliers looked like contenders at times during 2022-23. In the playoffs, the combined spacing of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley proved problematic. Here, they’re acquiring a sweet shooting wing in McDermott. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs were one of the worst teams in the NBA this season. That’s why Victor Wembanyama will be on their roster next year.

“Now, they’ll likely be looking to accelerate their rebuild. Finally, the Boston Celtics replace Williams III here with Allen,” Piercey explained. “If the former looks healthy next year, perhaps they could shop him for the point guard they need. In either case, this feels better than blowing up their core this summer.”

Allen averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks for the Cavaliers this season. He signed a five-year, $100 million contract with Cleveland in August 2021. The Cavaliers made the 2023 playoffs but lost to the New York Knicks in the first round in five games, so the front office could make some changes to the roster this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games. The team could use a lob threat and shot-blocker like Allen next to stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.