REPORT: New Orleans Pelicans Have Strong Interest In Jarett Allen

Reports are surfacing that the Pelicans are interested in former All-Star center Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

New Orleans, LA -  According to Yahoo's Jake Fischer, the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly considering a trade for Jarrett Allen, the center for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Also, the Cavs are considering making moves this season because of a rash of injuries to key players. 

Cleveland's guard Darius Garland (jaw) and forward Evan Mobley (knee) will miss multiple weeks of playing time due to injuries. Currently sitting at No. 6 in the Eastern Conference standings, the Cavs must adjust their strategy in light of these injuries.

Allen has $100 million and two years remaining on his current contract with the Cavs. The center's contract is team-friendly, with the NBA salary cap expected to rise next season. He turns 26 next spring and was voted an All-Star in the 2021-2022 season. 

Jan 31, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots beside New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart (3) in the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / Jan 31, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots beside New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart (3) in the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Allen is in his third full year with the Cavs after being dealt to Cleveland as part of a four-team trade that sent James Harden to Brooklyn. Allen was a member of the Nets at the time of the trade.

At this time, the expected assets the Pelicans would need to fork over in a deal is unclear. Most expect Jonas Valanciunas to be included in a potential exchange for Allen. Valanciunas is on an expiring $15.4 million contract and will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Jonas is currently averaging 14.9 points and 9.9 rebounds in 28 games played this year. Back in May, Valanciunas expressed his desire to remain in New Orleans with the Pelicans.

"We had some talks with [the Pelicans]. I think this summer won't be easy for them [team executives] because they will have to make a few key decisions. Our season didn't go as planned, so there will definitely be changes," Valanciunas said.

Zion, Pelicans Need A Rebound Victory At Cavaliers

"I would like to stay and extend my contract," Jonas continued. "Obviously, during the season, you try to help the team as much as possible, but when the summer comes, you try to take care of your own things – how to extend the contract and stuff."

In addition to players, any trade involving Allen would require draft compensation. The Cavs owe the Jazz multiple first-round picks in the deal that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland. 

New Orleans has a plethora of draft capital over the next few seasons, so including picks in a potential deal will be fine for the team.

Allen is averaging 13 points and 8.3 rebounds this season for Cleveland. While Valanciunas is not the defender that Allen is, the Cavs big man is nowhere near the scoring threat Jonas is on the floor. 

Allen has not attempted a three-point shot this season, while Jonas shoots 38.2% from beyond the arc. New Orleans and Cleveland play each other Thursday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland.    

Zion, Pelicans Need A Rebound Victory At Cavaliers