NBA Trade Rumors: Jarrett Allen Likely to Be Shopped by Cavs amid Mitchell Buzz
May 17, 2024
The Cleveland Cavaliers could reportedly look into moving center Jarrett Allen this offseason amid rumors and speculation regarding Donovan Mitchell's future with the franchise.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported the following on Friday's episode of The Hoop Collective:
"I would just say that while there's an extreme interest and excitement probably from certain fanbases to go to the trade machine and work out Donovan Mitchell trades—and maybe those will be needed in a month, we'll see—I would think the Cavs are going to be spending more time in this next month looking at possible Jarrett Allen trades and what that can bring."
The 26-year-old Allen averaged 16.5 points on 63.4 percent shooting, 10.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 77 starts for the Cavs this season. He's fared quite well in Cleveland since landing in town in January 2021, even earning an All-Star appearance in 2022.
With Allen in the post, Cleveland earned the Eastern Conference's No. 4 seed.
The Cavs defeated the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs, but the Boston Celtics then beat Cleveland in five games in the second round. Allen, however, missed the final eight games of the playoffs due to bruised ribs.
As for Mitchell, the five-time NBA All-Star realistically has one year left on his contract. He can elect to become a free agent by declining his 2025-26 player option.
That puts Cleveland in a bind. If the Cavs can't come to terms on an agreement with Mitchell, then they are best served trading the 27-year-old to avoid losing him for nothing.
There isn't a shortage of rumors and speculation on Mitchell's future, but for now, Windhorst has made it clear that the Cavs are looking to shop Allen, who has two years and $40 million remaining on his contract.
The Cavs' core of Mitchell, Allen and Darius Garland could be breaking up. Evan Mobley, who is part of that core, shouldn't be going anywhere.
Although the Cavs had a good season with their first conference semifinals appearance without LeBron James since 1993, it appears that changes could very well be on the horizon.