Mavs Trade with Cavs? Jarrett Allen Could Be Defensive Anchor Dallas Needs

With a gaping hole at the center position, the Dallas Mavericks land Cleveland Cavs center Jarrett Allen in this hypothetical trade proposal.

After a disappointing end to their season, where they missed the playoffs a year after making the Western Conference Finals, the Dallas Mavericks know what they need to do this summer to get back to being a contending team. On their lengthy to-do list is re-signing Kyrie Irving and upgrading their defense and rebounding. 

On Monday’s episode of “The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show,” a proposed trade that would send Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen to the Mavericks was discussed. Such a move for the 6-11 big man who played his college ball for the Texas Longhorns in 2017 would certainly help Dallas’ leaky frontline. 

The mock trade would send Allen and forward Dean Wade to Dallas for Maxi Kleber, Reggie Bullock, and JaVale McGee. And again, this was a trade presented by Cavs enthusiasts, so the lack of draft capital being involved was surprising.

The Mavs would get the defensive anchor that they’ve so desperately searched for in Allen, who rebounds at a high rate and can be a rim running threat, à la Dwight Powell. This season, Allen averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just under 33 minutes per game. 

In losing Kleber and Bullock, the Mavs would lose a bit of depth and shooting from the outside, but both forwards saw a dip in their effectiveness on the defensive end last season — especially Kleber, who suffered a torn hamstring. Getting off McGee’s contract, which has two years remaining on it, without having to give up any picks would be the cherry on top. 

As for Wade, he’s a versatile forward who can play both the three and the four positions. He is an average defender, but he shoots 36 percent from 3-point range through his career. 

For Cleveland, it would gain some flexibility on both ends of the floor, as the departure of Allen opens up some spacing. The twin towers approach with Allen and Evan Mobley left the Cavs wanting more after their disappointing showing against the New York Knicks in round one of the playoffs. 

Prior to the trade deadline this season, the Cavs were rumored to have interest in Tim Hardaway Jr., so if the proposed offer of Kleber, Bullock, and McGee doesn't tickle Cleveland's fancy, maybe sending THJ their way could get the deal done.

With Allen having three years remaining on his deal, this trade gives Dallas their true starting-caliber center for the foreseeable future. He would immediately upgrade the Mavs’ rebounding and rim protection, which Mavs GM Nico Harrison harped on in his exit interview. If this trade actually presents itself, expect the Mavs to jump at the chance. How could they not?

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