The New Orleans Pelicans reached out to the Cleveland Cavaliers about the availability of center Jarrett Allen according to a report from Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer. New Orleans is looking for a better rim-protector than what they have currently in Jonas Valanciunas.
New Orleans made one call, sources said, to Cleveland about obtaining Jarrett Allen.
Jake Fischer on New Orleans calling about Jarrett Allen
This comes from a larger section of the report centered on the San Antonio Spurs and their attempts to acquire and pair Naz Reid with first overall pick Victor Wembanyama. The mentioning of Valanciunas comes as a secondary option for the Spurs after missing out on Reid.
For Cleveland, moving Allen would appear to be a precursor to something bigger. There are legitimate questions about the long-term viability of the Cavs front court pairing of Allen and Evan Mobley. With Mobley being the player with the higher ceiling, Allen is the more likely player to be moved. The Cavs are hoping that Mobley can make the expected leap to become the centerpiece of their team moving forward. Moving Allen may be a necessity in order for that leap to happen.
While the Cavs would take a hit defensively if they move Jarrett Allen, the hope is the trade-off for more scoring pays off. Cleveland is clearly in need of more spacing and pace. Having two big men on the floor at the same time can bog down their offense. If the Cavaliers move Allen, slide Mobley to center, and find an offensive upgrade along the way, it could take the team to the next level.
So far Cleveland has rejected trade offers for Allen, but all it takes is the right trade proposal for that to change.
