The Cleveland Cavaliers are prepared to offer center Jarrett Allen a five-year deal in the $100 million range when free agency opens, according to Marc Stein. Allen is set to be a restricted free agent, but the Cavs are clearly motivated to get a deal done before he can sign an offer sheet elsewhere.
The Cavs swooped in and acquired Allen in the James Harden trade, which led to the departure of Andre Drummond. It’s no surprise Cleveland is planning on handing out a big offer to the 23-year-old after making those moves.
The Cavs did just draft Evan Mobley with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but the belief is Allen and Mobley can play together and form a dynamic frontcourt of the future.
Allen appeared in 51 games with Cleveland this past season, averaging 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game. He started 40 out of those 51 contests and shot nearly 61% from the field.
The Cavs have an intriguing young core in place with Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Mobley and Allen. Sexton has been involved in trade rumors, so it’s not clear if he’ll be back, but there’s still a lot of talent there. Cleveland could use more proven talent to help the team take a step forward.
There are questions about Kevin Love’s future with the Cavs, and he could wind up being a buyout candidate down the road.
