injuries impact every NBA season. This year has been no exception. In 2023-24, we’ve seen players impacted by the loss of key players.
One of those teams has been the New York Knicks. They’re missing Mitchell Robinson. Their starting big men are among the best rim protectors in the NBA. Without him, life is more difficult. Still, all hope is not lost. The Knicks have enough talent to weather this storm.
We’re not as confident in the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re expected to be without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland for a substantial amount of time. The remainder of the season may be difficult for the Cavaliers.
Could they send Jarrett Allen to the Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: C Jarrett Allen
Meanwhile, these teams are in a similar place. The Knicks are fifth in the Eastern Conference, and the Cavaliers are right behind them. With that said, they took very different paths to get to these similar places.
The Cavaliers built their team through the draft. Sure, they acquired Donovan Mitchell as the last step in their rebuild. Before that deal, they drafted Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Those are the pillars of this franchise.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
Is RJ Barrett a pillar in New York? We’re not sure. Still, this team is primarily built around Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson – both of whom were acquired outside of the draft.
Would Allen be the right player to support them?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Some will say that the Knicks are overreacting here. Robinson will be back, and Hartenstein can hold down the fort. Sure. On the other hand, what are they giving up?
Fournier is out of the rotation. Sure, he’s on an expiring contract. The Knicks may want that financial flexibility. Still, if they’re in win-now mode, they should happily flip him for a good player. They won’t mind parting with a protected pick, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
Besides, when Robinson gets back, the Knicks can make another trade. They won’t keep all three of their big men – one will go next summer. In the meantime, Allen can help flesh out their big-man rotation.
Should the Cavaliers part with him?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
In simple terms, the Knicks are down one key player. Robinson is their defensive anchor. The Cavaliers are down two key players. Mobley is their anchor, and Garland is their primary playmaker.
That doesn’t mean they have to phone in the season. Still, it’s an option. The Cavaliers own their pick in the next draft. It might be sensible to punt on 2023-24 and turn their attention to next year.
Meanwhile, Allen hasn’t always looked like a good fit alongside Mobley anyway. If the front office feels the same, flipping him for an expiring deal and a pick that’s only protected against disaster makes sense. Hopefully, they’ll be healthier next year.
