The Cleveland Cavaliers are spiraling, and fans on Twitter [have begun dreaming](https://x.com/c4Bostonn/status/2001492336828657703) of Donovan Mitchell in a Boston Celtics jersey. But he’s not the real prize in Cleveland, nor is he a realistic target. That would be Jarrett Allen.
Cleveland has plenty of time to improve, and the likelihood that they trade Mitchell is as low as it gets. But with the second apron breathing down their necks, if the Cavs get desperate enough, perhaps there’s a small world where they could consider trading core pieces of their roster. Maybe not a complete blow-up, but a significant adjustment to their foundational group could be in order.
If that happens, Boston should jump at the chance to add Allen.
**Celtics should trade for Jarrett Allen**
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Allen’s stats will never jump out of the box score. But that’s not what the Celtics would need from him. All the Celtics would need from Allen is defense, rebounding, and screening.
At his best, Allen was an All-Star. And though it’s been some time since he’s reached those heights, playing alongside Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard in Boston would allow him to focus on what he does best, much like it is the case in Cleveland.
The Cavs probably don’t want to trade Allen. Their double-big frontcourt has worked in the past, but at this point, a shake-up could be necessary if they want to reach the heights they are striving for.
Plus, with the second apron fully in effect and CBA penalties incoming, shedding some salary or breaking down their bigger contracts could be a smart idea.
In order for the Celtics to land Allen in a trade, it would almost definitely have to be a three-team deal. They could send Anfernee Simons to a third team (like the Milwaukee Bucks), who could give the Cavs depth (like Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, etc.), as Allen landed in Boston.
So far this year, Allen has appeared in 17 games for the Cavaliers, starting all of them and playing 26.0 minutes per contest. He has averaged 14.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 57.5% from the floor.
Last year, his numbers were even better, and at his peak, he was a double-digit rebound machine.
That’s the exact type of player Boston should want in their rotation to aid Neemias Queta, who has done a great job as their starting center this year.
It wouldn’t be easy, especially from a financial standpoint, but getting Allen would be a huge win for the Celtics.