One NBA writer is proposing that the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers make a trade this summer centered around Jarrett Allen.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed that the Cavaliers send Allen and Isaac Okoro to the Mavericks for Maxi Kleber, Reggie Bullock and the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“Still, the juice might be worth the squeeze,” Buckley wrote. ” If the Cavs are comfortable shifting Evan Mobley to center full-time—he spent nearly half his minutes there this season—they could add a pair of two-way starters in Kleber and Bullock. Both are versatile defenders and reliable shooters. Both should be seamless fits alongside the ball-dominant backcourt combo of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
“Since Kleber and Bullock are 30-something non-stars, the Cavs also squeeze the No. 10 pick into this deal. Given all the draft assets they gave up for Mitchell, they need the selection, regardless of whether they’d plan on keeping it for themselves or sending it out in a separate swap for more instant-impact talent.”
Allen averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks for the Cavaliers this season. He signed a five-year, $100 million contract with Cleveland in August 2021.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Cavs made the playoffs this season but lost to the New York Knicks in the first round in five games.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament despite having Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas was only 5-11 in games Doncic and Irving played together this season.
That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
“In this deal, it would. Allen is an elite paint protector, and Okoro is an on-ball pest,” Buckley wrote. “Slot Josh Green alongside these two, Irving and Dončić, and Dallas might have the two-way balance it needs to climb the Western Conference ladder.”
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
