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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Jarrett Allen #31 high fives Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have suddenly emerged as a team that might make multiple moves at the trade deadline. They have already made a trade for Keon Ellis. There are reports that they have explored a trade for James Harden, as well.
Currently, Cleveland sits fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are finally healthy and have started playing better. They have the eighth-best offense in the league. Still, the Cavs are exploring not just trading Darius Garland for Harden, but trading another core player, as well.
Jarrett Allen has been talked about as a possible trade candidate for the last couple of years. According to a recent report, the Cavs are looking at moving him as a possible way to clear cap space.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen shoots the ball. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers exploring a possible trade of Jarrett Allen
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Cavs are exploring a possible trade of Allen. They would do so to clear cap space for future flexibility.
“Their second-apron status has been well chronicled, but league sources say they’ve explored ways of trading the contract of big man Jarrett Allen ($90.7 million combined in the next three seasons) as a way of unlocking much bigger possibilities.”
If Cleveland can find the right partner, they would end up trading Allen for either expiring contracts or ones that are far less expensive. Trading Allen would be an acknowledgement that they can’t win a title as currently constructed.
It’s unclear what teams would be interested in Allen. Allen’s shooting efficiency and rebounding are down from last year. His contract is pricey, so a team would trade for him that is either looking for additional draft capital in return for this being a salary dump or an immediate contender.
The Cavaliers have to figure out whether or not they want to keep their core four players together or start something new. Cleveland has started playing better now that they are fully healthy, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t think they have to make a move.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen celebrates. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Likely Will Make Another Trade
Even if the Cavs decide not to trade Allen, they likely will end up making another trade. The Cavs seem to think that they need to make another move to fortify their chances of winning this year. Trading Allen would end up improving their chances of winning long-term.
Donovan Mitchell has proven that he can carry an offense by himself for a period of time. Last year’s series against the Pacers shows that he still needs help to win deep in the postseason. Getting Mitchell that help could be the key to the Cavs winning a title.
Cleveland only has a couple of first-round draft picks they can trade in the next few years, so they don’t have too many assets to improve the team. They are also over the second apron, so making trades is much harder for them than for other teams around the NBA.