This offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first priority is to persuade Donovan Mitchell to sign a contract extension with the franchise. Cleveland will take into consideration everything that they can do to increase the likelihood of that. Mark Stein claims that part of that is hanging onto former All-Star Jarrett Allen.
It isn’t too surprising that Mitchell would feel this way. Mitchell’s best basketball this past season came when he and Allen were the main focal points of the offense. Mitchell showed a chemistry with Allen that he hadn’t displayed with a center at any other point in his career.
From mid-December through the All-Star break, Mitchell was dishing out 2.1 assists per game to Allen which was his most to any Cavalier teammate. This was one of the reasons the Cavs posted an absurd 16.4 net rating when both were on the floor in that span. The Cavs, and that duo, weren’t able to replicate that same success when Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were fully available and not on a minutes restriction.
The league is full of teams who may benefit from Allen’s talents. Several front offices are keeping an eye on Allen’s circumstances, according to a May Stein story. According to Christian Clark of nola.com, the New Orleans Pelicans are showing “significant interest” in Allen as of Sunday.
Because of his fair deal, ability to fit into most lineups, and perceived fit problems in Cleveland, trade rumours surrounding Allen are likely to continue. Nevertheless, it seems that Mitchell would have to approve of any action that would send Allen packing. Last month, Koby Altman, president of basketball operations, said that Mitchell has “a lot of influence” over the way the team builds its roster. It makes sense that the Cavs would need to receive an incredible offer in order to acquire Allen if Mitchell is interested in him playing in Cleveland.
In May, Altman remarked, “[Mitchell is] a highly intellectual basketball junkie.” Therefore, I would be delighted to receive some of his advice regarding our goals for the
