The Cleveland Cavaliers appear reluctant to part ways with center Jarrett Allen, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com on Saturday’s Wine and Gold Talk podcast. Allen’s injuries and down season make a mid-season trade less attractive, and the team could receive limited return if moved before the deadline.
Allen, 27, is in the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract but has already secured a three-year, $90.7 million extension. Despite recent struggles, Cleveland’s front office values him more than some potential suitors, creating a trade hesitation similar to that surrounding guard Darius Garland.
Cleveland is 16-14 this season, navigating an uneven campaign with Donovan Mitchell leading the team at 30.7 points and 5.5 assists per game. Evan Mobley adds 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, providing stability in the frontcourt alongside Allen.
Allen has contributed 15.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 25 games while averaging 28.5 minutes, making him a critical piece of the Cavaliers’ rotation. His presence remains important both offensively and defensively, even as the team weighs other roster adjustments.
According to Hoops Rumors, Fedor noted that mid-level contracts like Lonzo Ball ($10 million team option for ’26/27) and Dean Wade ($6 million expiring) could be more movable than Allen, De’Andre Hunter, or Max Strus. Hunter and Strus have guaranteed deals and higher salaries, complicating potential trades despite Cleveland’s desire for flexibility.
Other role players like Ball, Wade, Hunter, and Strus are underperforming this season, increasing the likelihood the Cavaliers will prioritize keeping core talent like Allen. Any trade decision could hinge on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster planning.
Allen’s value as a dependable interior presence gives Cleveland leverage to avoid selling low, particularly with the team still in playoff contention. The Cavs are focused on building around Mitchell and Mobley while maintaining enough depth to withstand injuries and slumps.
The upcoming trade window will test the Cavaliers’ willingness to make moves, but Allen’s combination of skill, experience, and contract security appears to make him untouchable for now.
