The Cleveland Cavaliers do not necessarily feel the need to orchestrate a sign-and-trade with Jarrett Allen if they take Evan Mobley in the 2021 NBA draft.
Chris Fedor of cleveland.com had previously suggested the Cavs could try to ship Allen for value in the event they are set on taking the USC big man. However, Fedor reported Wednesday morning Cleveland feels Allen and Mobley can work together in the same frontcourt:
“Sources say the Cavs believe Mobley can thrive at 4 or 5,” Fedor reported. “That versatility would give head coach J.B. Bickerstaff some intriguing lineup combinations. When Mobley’s not playing alongside Allen, the youngster could assume backup center minutes, especially if the organization can’t work something out with Isaiah Hartenstein, who is expected to decline his player option.”
Fedor has reported Allen, a restricted free agent this offseason, could fetch offer sheets north of five years and $100 million. Would it be worth it for the Cavs to invest so heavily in the frontcourt given the NBA has become a guard’s league?
Well, maybe.
The Cavs appear committed to their backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. That makes drafting either Jalen Green or Jalen Suggs every bit as questionable as adding Mobley to the fold.
At least by drafting Mobley, the Cavs would be forming a lethal defensive interior. Both Allen and Mobley are exceptional rim protectors who excel at rotating from the weak side to contest and block shots. Plus, Mobley has the upside of a guy who has shown he can extend the defense a little bit while handling the ball in transition and displaying decent court vision.
Ultimately, the decision lies with Cavs general manager Koby Altman. However, Cleveland appears to like its options at the No. 3 spot.