The Cleveland Cavaliers just wrapped up another difficult season, as they finished with a record of 22-50. They will be heading into the NBA Lottery once again hoping to find more talent to build around on this roster. The Cavaliers have some solid foundational pieces in place. Darius Garland and Collin Sexton are a fun backcourt. Isaac Okoro flashed some potential in his rookie season. Arguably the best piece they have is center, Jarrett Allen.
Allen was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in the four-team blockbuster that saw James Harden end up in Brooklyn. The Cavaliers received Allen and Taurean Prince in the deal, trading away a second-round pick to the Nets and a first-round pick, along with Dante Exum, to the Houston Rockets.
Despite not being the team that parted ways with Harden, the Cavaliers came away with one of the better players that were on the move in the deal in Allen.
The acquisition of Allen was a good one long-term, but short-term, it presented some issues as it essentially told Andre Drummond loud and clear he was not a part of the team’s long-term plans.
Allen is a stout rim protector and a presence in the middle for the Cavaliers to build around. It sounds like they are very confident in him, as it is being reported that Cleveland will pay him at least $100 million.
According to Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers will offer Allen a contract extension worth $100 million or more. In his career, Allen is averaging 10.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 0.5 steals in 25.4 minutes per game.
Cleveland will have some decisions to make after offering Jarrett Allen his extension. Will they also offer an extension to Sexton, who is next to be eligible, or will they pass and decide to build around Garland and Okoro in addition to Allen?
