One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans acquire Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Pelicans and Cavaliers:
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Jonas Valančiūnas, Jose Alvarado and a 2027 first-round pick (top-five-protected)
“The Pelicans need to make whatever they can of this season, as the fanbase and front office may not be able to stomach another wasted one,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “That’s why an aggressive trade like this could make sense. Allen maybe isn’t the perfect center to pair with Williamson, but his superior athleticism and defensive versatility should make him a much better fit than Valančiūnas.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
“Even if New Orleans stays healthy, its defense could crater, since none of its three stars has been a positive presence on that end. That ups the appeal for Allen, a true paint protector who tallied last season’s fourth-most defensive win shares. Tack on that he can extend offensive possessions with his rebounding or finish them on pick-and-rolls (13th-most points as a pick-and-roll screener), and he could be an impact addition at both ends.”
Allen appeared in 68 games for the Cavaliers last season. He averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 blocks while shooting 64.4% from the field and 73.3% from the free-throw line. Allen recorded 32 double-doubles.
Allen has career NBA averages of 12.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks with the Brooklyn Nets and Cavaliers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans could start CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Allen if New Orleans’ front office figured out a way to acquire Allen from Cleveland.
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