The Cleveland Cavaliers have made two big moves already at the trade deadline. It’s unlikely that they make another core-altering trade, but you never want to rule things out with this front office. If they did want to make an additional deal, it’s clear that other teams are interested in big man Jarrett Allen.
If the Cavs were to make another bigger move before the deadline, it seems like Allen would be the one guy that could be sent out. His roughly $30 million per year contract increase that starts next season isn’t an overpay, but it could be looked at as such if you’re a team like the Cavs that is already over the second apron and has an All-NBA caliber center in Evan Mobley.
At the same time, Allen should be a phenomenal fit with James Harden. Harden is at his best when he’s able to run high pick-and-rolls with a good screener and rim finisher. Allen checks those boxes better than Mobley does at this point in his career. It’s not difficult to envision Harden and Allen lineups carving through opposing defenses.
Still, Allen’s trade value is worth monitoring. The front office has shown that they aren’t afraid to make win-now moves, and it’s clear that there is at least a market out there for Allen’s services.
We’ll see if the Cavs make any additional moves before Thursday’s deadline.