Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is going to become a very wealthy man this summer. Allen, the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets, is set to hit restricted free agency and he will assuredly cash in.
Allen has cemented himself among the most efficient scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking centers in the NBA. At only 23-years old, he has plenty of years left to continue contributing and could even improve. But will it be with the Cavaliers?
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For his career, Allen is averaging 10.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.4 blocks in only 25.4 minutes per game. He is a legitimate difference-maker in the paint, finishing inside the top-20 for blocks per game all four seasons of his career and three times has finished in the top-20 for total rebounds.
As a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers will have the chance to match any offer sheet that Allen signs. They are reportedly ready to pay him at least $100 million, according to Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer.
If they are willing to go over the $100 million mark to retain him, it is unlucky that he will be playing elsewhere next season, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t teams that will try to sign him.
On the HoopsHype Podcast, Michael Scotto and his guest Yossi Gozlan discussed some rumors and previewed the offseason for the Eastern Conference lottery teams. According to them, there are at least two more teams that are worth watching when it comes to Jarrett Allen this offseason; the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks.
Both teams are logical landing spots for Allen. The Hornets are desperate for a center they can add to their core of LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington. His skill set is exactly what they need, as the Hornets have enough dynamic scorers; it is time they add someone that can anchor their defense.
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Dallas is in search of a center to pair with Kristaps Porzingis in the frontcourt. Despite center being where Porzingis seemingly would thrive the most, he just cannot handle it and is better suited to play power forward.
There are a few other center needy teams, such as the Toronto Raptors, that could throw their hat into the Jarrett Allen ring as well. While we don’t know where Allen will land as a restricted free agent this summer, we do know that his next contract will pay him handsomely.
