The Cleveland Cavaliers believe a LeBron James reunion can bring them closer to an NBA championship, but the organization also probably recognizes that the all-time great cannot address all of its roster construction concerns. If the Cavs sign James, fans may have to brace themselves for a tough farewell.
“I think they would try and trade Jarrett Allen for a wing,” Danny Cunningham of The Inside Shot and Locked On Cavs told “The Ken Carman Show With Anthony Lima” on 92.3 The Fan. “I think they would need a little bit more shooting, someone that is a good point of attack defender on the perimeter.”
James is still an impactful scorer and highly effective playmaker — averaged 20.9 points on 51.5 percent shooting with 7.2 assists per game last season — but he is not a consistently reliable defender at this stage of his career. Despite being a dependable rim-protector and strong finisher in the low-post, Allen is not exceptionally versatile on either end of the floor.
"I think they would try and trade Jarrett Allen for a wing… I think they would need a little bit more shooting, someone that is a good point of attack defender on the perimeter."
📞@RealDCunningham thinks more big moves could be made for the Cavs alongside adding LeBron pic.twitter.com/EIKuJFz10J
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) July 6, 2026
James’ presence would create the need for more spacing, especially following the departure of Dean Wade. Cunningham mentioned New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III as a fit on a potentially revamped Cavaliers roster. He posted 21.5 points and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from 3-point land during the 2025-26 campaign.
Still, it would not be easy to say goodbye to one of the core members of this post-LeBron James era of Cleveland basketball. Jarrett Allen has done his part to keep the Cavs relevant over the last few years, but the path to a championship is often paved with sacrifice. The All-Star center may not align with the franchise’s blueprint moving forward, and he may not be the only one.
“I do think that Jarrett Allen is the obvious guy you look at, I think Dennis Schroder will probably be moved, I think it’s likely you see Max Strus moved,” Danny Cunningham said. “I think two of those guys probably get moved anyways to try and reshape this team even if LeBron doesn’t return, but I think if LeBron comes back, Jarrett Allen is the obvious answer.”
Cleveland’s phone line should be busy for the foreseeable future.