One NBA writer thinks the Cleveland Cavaliers could explore the trade markets for Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen this season.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes the Cavaliers could look to move Allen if Evan Mobley and Allen continue to be an odd fit together. Bailey also thinks Cleveland may be forced to trade Mitchell since the guard has already said he won’t sign an extension this season and rumors about him wanting to play for the New York Knicks continue to swirl.
“Mobley can provide a similar impact as a rim-protector and rim-runner as Allen, and he’s more versatile as a passer and perimeter defender,” Bailey wrote. “Making him the full-time 5 and replacing Allen with another shooter could open things up for the Cavs. … Unloading Allen and Mitchell might cause the Cavs to take a half-step back in the short term, but they’d still have two young, All-Star level talents in Mobley and Darius Garland to build around.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Cavaliers won 51 games last season but lost to the Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. Cleveland’s offense doesn’t have a lot of floor spacing since neither Allen nor Mobley can shoot from the perimeter. Trading Allen may be the best way for the Cavaliers to create more floor balance.
Mitchell is one of the best players in the NBA, so the Cavaliers can’t afford to lose him for nothing. If Mitchell doesn’t sign an extension with Cleveland, he can leave the team in 2025 if he declines his 2025-26 player option.
The Cavaliers have to play it smart with Mitchell, who was born and raised in New York and thought he would get traded to the Knicks last offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans were interested in acquiring Allen this past offseason. Meanwhile, the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to Mitchell.
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