With free agency in full swing, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the most active teams. Cleveland made plenty of signings but now, a new rumor has Cavs fans wondering. It has been said that the Cavaliers may be more open to trading starting center Jarrett Allen than we initially thought.
Trading Jarrett Allen does in fact have some strategy behind it. It is very hard to play two non-shooting big men and win in the NBA. Sending Allen off for more help at the wing could be what Cleveland needs to have a more versatile line-up. After Allen’s disappointing performance in the first round of the playoffs, many fans called for change.
CLE Moving On From Allen?
Marc Stein recently said that the Cleveland Cavaliers targeted Max Strus in free agency due to his toughness in the postseason. He then laid down this interesting statement. “On the same subject, there have been some whispers this week that the Cavaliers are more open to trading Jarrett Allen than advertised for the opposite reason: He appeared to struggle with the moment at various points of the Cavaliers’ five-game exit to the Knicks.” according to KingJamesGospel.com.
The Cleveland Cavaliers would have to be “blown away” by an offer to trade Allen away. Some possible returns could be landing a shooting center, more young players to grow with the Cavs’ core, or the most likely option of more help on the wing. If that were to happen Evan Mobley would be moved to center. Mobley is an elite rim protector but he lacks the bulk of an NBA center. Breaking up Mobley and Allen would land a big blow to Cleveland’s defense.
We must remember that this was that Cavs team’s first playoff series together. For Garland and Mobley it was their first time in the playoffs ever. Was that five-game series loss really Allen’s fault? Moving on Allen after one bad series seems like an overreaction. Jarrett Allen deserves a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of Cleveland’s fans.
An Allen Trade Doesn’t Seem Likely
It seems very unlikely that the Cleveland Cavaliers will move on from Jarrett Allen this season. Allen is a great locker-room presence for the Cavs and a key member of their starting line-up. His chemistry with Darius Garland is something that can not be overlooked. That duo was among the league leaders in alley-oops as well as Allen being high up on the rebounding charts. Allen should still be a Cavalier this coming season!
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevrelandCavaliers.