All summer the Cleveland Cavaliers have been involved in trade rumors. However, the Cavs are reluctant to move on from former All-Star big man Jarrett Allen for an important reason, per Marc Stein. It is well known that the Cavs are hopeful to extend their superstar guard Donovan Mitchell this summer. Mitchell though, is keen that Cavs President Koby Altman does not deal his starting center.
Cavs’ Star Connection With Starting Big Man Makes Trade Unlikely
The Duo’s Dominance
Since Mitchell joined the Cavaliers in 2022, he and Allen have formed a formidable duo in Cleveland. In two seasons together, the two are a staggering +678 on the court together in 108 games played. Additionally, both players notched career-high averages in assists this year. The partnership of Mitchell and Allen had grown throughout this past campaign. Mitchell spent parts of this season sidelined with a knee injury, but he was active in cheering on Allen and his teammates. Throughout the year, Mitchell has been clear in his admiration for Allen.
Donovan x Jarrett ♥️💛 pic.twitter.com/nsyVdACMLy
— Isaac Okoro Fan Club (@IsaacOkoroFan) January 23, 2024
Role in Mitchell Extension
The Cavs’ main priority this offseason is keeping Mitchell, who is eligible for a four-year 200+ million dollar extension as soon as the NBA Finals conclude. The superstar led Cleveland to their first playoff series victory since 2018 and the first without LeBron James since 1993. This means the Cavs are likely to obey any demands he has this summer. Also, keeping Allen is not a burden for the Cavs to keep Mitchell. He is the Cavs starting center and a key member of the starting lineup. He still has two years remaining on a team-friendly deal. Additionally, since Allen signed the contract he has been an elite rim protector and rebounder.
Arguably the Cavs’ best stretch of basketball was when Mitchell and Allen were at the helm due to the injuries of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley in December. The team went 21-4 shooting up the East standings, while Mitchell was dropping dimes and Allen was a beast in the paint. That’s likely when the duo started becoming stronger when they carried the load of the team together. It would be hard to see a world in which trading Allen away would keep Mitchell content.
Trade Likelihood
While it’s no certainty that Allen will stay in Cleveland just because Mitchell wants him there. Koby Altman himself mentioned “I don’t see any sweeping changes.” making it even more apparent Allen will remain in Cleveland. If the Cavs are not going to break up their core this summer, this is a big season for them to prove they can win together. If Mitchell does not extend his deal in Cleveland, he has the option to become a free agent in the following summer while the Cavs are yet to extend Mobley too.
Ultimately it is not up to Donovan Mitchell whether or not the Cavs move on from Allen soon. But his influence is of the utmost importance to the Cleveland front office, meaning it could play a part if they are on the fence about it.
