Cavs Opinion: Pros, Cons Of Jarrett Allen Trade

Why the Cleveland Cavaliers should and shouldn't trade Jarrett Allen.

The Cleveland Cavaliers ceiling for the 2023-24 season is in question right now considering the number of injuries the roster has sustained. This has caused opposing teams to reportedly call Cleveland's front office about the availability of several players, including Jarrett Allen.

Is trading the Cavaliers' cornerstone center the answer for long-term success? Let's look at some pros and cons of making this move.

Pros Of Jarrett Allen Trade

• Trading away Allen would open up the paint for Evan Mobley, once he returns from injury. There were questions about how the two would fit together before Cleveland drafted Mobley. It's overall been a solid pairing, but it would be interesting to see what Mobley can do on his own.
• One issue that continues to plague the Cavaliers is three-point shooting. Cleveland could ask for a three-point-minded shooting guard or small forward in any trade involving Allen.
• Allen signed a five-year $100 million deal with the Cavaliers in the summer of 2021. There's no denying that's a high price for any player. This isn't arguing that Allen doesn't deserve the deal, but moving him would give Cleveland more flexibility if the front office feels they could upgrade other parts of the roster.

Nov 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cons Of Jarrett Allen Trade

• The Cavs have had a problem with their frontcourt depth dating back to the playoffs last season. This issue could become even worse if they traded JA. Cleveland would need to get a center back in any Allen trade or immediately make a corresponding move to get another big man.
• Cleveland's defense has taken a step back in defense in terms of where they stood last season. They finished last year with the best defensive rating in the NBA (110.6) and now hold a 114.0 rating through the first quarter of the year. Jarrett Allen continues to be one of the best defenders on the Cavaliers and trading that away would be a huge hit.