Cleveland Cavaliers face pivotal choice on Jarrett Allen’s future
The Cleveland Cavaliers are at a crossroads as they contemplate the future of center Jarrett Allen. As the team’s financial commitments continue to rise, a trade may be necessary to maintain a balanced salary cap. Writer Grant Hughes posits that Allen could be on the move ahead of the February deadline.
Evolving Roles and Emerging Strategies
Evan Mobley’s recent shift in playing style has raised eyebrows. Currently, he’s spending approximately two-thirds of his minutes at the center position, while Allen is averaging just 26.1 minutes per game—his lowest since his rookie season in 2017-18. Such dynamics suggest that Allen could be a key piece in any significant trade the Cavaliers decide to pursue.
Hughes notes, “It has long felt like the absolute apex version of the Cavs features Mobley, not Donovan Mitchell, as their best player.” While Mobley’s offensive development has not met expectations this season, his potential increases when positioned as a center, allowing for optimal spacing on the court. Despite Allen being a capable starting center, the Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious financial situation as a second-apron team. Paying him top-tier money could be unjustifiable if the strategy involves featuring Mobley in the same role.
Health Concerns and Team Performance
Allen’s health has also come into question this season, as he has participated in only 15 of the team’s first 25 games. This has provided the Cavaliers with a glimpse of their performance without him on the court. The results have been concerning; the team has managed to secure only 14 wins in those 25 games. For context, they suffered only 18 losses during the entirety of last season’s 82-game schedule, highlighting a significant decline in form.
The Cavaliers might find greater success if they trade Allen for a wing or guard, but the approach must be intentional. A trade cannot simply be a means to salvage value from Allen; it must strategically align with the team’s long-term goals. The franchise is in a delicate balancing act—considering the potential benefits of trading Allen while ensuring they maximize the return on such a deal.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Cavaliers navigate this critical period, they will take to the court against the Washington Wizards in their next matchup. Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena, this game presents another opportunity for the Cavaliers to evaluate their current roster dynamics and consider their next steps. Fans can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it via NBA Week Pass.
In the coming weeks, the decisions made by the Cavaliers could reshape their roster and influence their competitive trajectory for the remainder of the season.
