For his third NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen, 26, signed a three-year contract extension worth $91 million. The deal guarantees him $131 million over the next five seasons. However, this extension does not necessarily mean that Allen will remain with the Cavaliers long-term.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Allen was “essentially forced” to sign his contract extension before Aug. 6 so the Cavaliers could still potentially trade him before the 2024-25 deadline. Allen will be eligible for a trade starting Feb. 2, 2025, exactly six months after he signs his new contract.
Allen’s current contract will pay him just $20 million per season for each of the next two years, an amount considered well below market value. Even with the extension, his salary will only represent about 16% of the salary cap from 2026-27 to 2028-29. That contract takes Allen through his 30th birthday and the likely end of his prime, given the typical aging curve for players with his skill profile.
NBA TRADE NEWS AND RUMORS: Updates on Jarrett Allen and the Cleveland Cavaliers
Rival teams have long considered the Allen-Evan Mobley combination to be a poor long-term fit. Mobley, a more natural center in the modern game, is seen as the better long-term option, while Allen is limited to playing center due to his size and lack of shooting ability.
The Future of the Cleveland Cavaliers Core
Despite concerns about Allen’s fit with the team, the Cavaliers have remained committed to retaining their core, which includes Allen, Donovan Mitchell and Mobley. Mitchell recently signed a three-year, $150.3 million extension, solidifying his place in Cleveland’s plans.
With Mitchell averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.8 steals per game and Mobley averaging 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, Allen’s role on the team appears vital at the moment. However, Cavs management seems determined to see how this core performs for at least one more season before considering major changes.
NBA TRADE NEWS AND RUMORS: Updates on Jarrett Allen and the Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland, another key player, has also been the subject of trade rumors, especially after Mitchell’s contract extension. Despite the speculation, Garland has publicly stated his commitment to the Cavaliers, telling Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, “I don’t want to be traded. It’s just rumors.”
However, if the Cavaliers struggle early in the 2024-25 season, rumors could resume, potentially involving Allen and Garland in trade discussions as the team evaluates its long-term fit and strategy.
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