Around the NBA, the function of the big man is a hotly contested issue. Should they anchor your defense? In a perimeter-oriented league, is that necessary? Isn’t this the three-point era – and by extension, the era of 3-and-D wings?
Sure. On the other hand, taking away dunks and layups will always be helpful. That allows your guards and wings to guard the perimeter more aggressively. Perhaps there’s a middle ground: a team doesn’t have to anchor their defense with a big man, but it remains the easiest way for them to anchor their defense.
It seems that the New Orleans Pelicans concur. They’re apparently interested in landing a defensive big this summer. With that in mind, Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers has been a popular target for them. Here’s a deal that sends him to the Pelicans.
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, G Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Jarrett Allen
Meanwhile, this year’s NBA playoffs certainly added a layer to that debate. The Denver Nuggets were the NBA champions. Does that change the discussion?
It might. Nikola Jokic is the best offensive player in basketball. That statement doesn’t even need qualifiers. With that said, he’s not exactly a defensive anchor. Jokic’s abilities on that end range from mediocre to average, depending on the matchup.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Nuggets won the title anyway. Why? Nikola Jokic is the best offensive player in basketball. Other teams can try to follow Denver’s model, but that little caveat should make it difficult. Should the Pelicans move off of their own offensive big man to acquire Allen?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
There’s some simple logic at play here. The Pelicans want a defensive big. Jarrett Allen is one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA. By contrast, Valanciunas can be a liability on that end of the floor. His lateral mobility is below average.
Yes, he’s offensively gifted. Between Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans have enough offense. In that sense, Valanciunas is superfluous. Allen could be essential. He’s an elite rim protector who can defend in space.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are already trying to replace Valanciunas. if they want to contend next season, Lewis Jr. and two first-rounders are a small price to pay for a defensive anchor. Should the Cavaliers give one up for that same price?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers don’t do this deal for Valanciunas. They don’t necessarily do it for Lewis Jr., either. The Cavaliers do this deal for the draft capital.
They could use some. The Cavaliers sent out three unprotected first-round picks to acquire Donovan Mitchell. Now, their cupboard is relatively bare. Making up some of that draft capital by sending Allen out makes some sense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
In fact, it’s been rumored that the Cavaliers have some interest in moving Allen. That makes sense, too. He appeared to be a questionable fit alongside Evan Mobley in this year’s playoffs. In time, the Cavaliers may want to move Mobley to the 5 and pair him with a floor-spacing wing at the 4. After all, there’s little doubt that Mobley can anchor a defense.
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