NBA Analyst: ‘Clock Could Be Ticking’ On Jarrett Allen-Evan Mobley Tandem For Cavaliers

One NBA analyst believes the “clock could be ticking” on the Jarrett Allen–Evan Mobley tandem for the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The Cavaliers signed Allen and Mobley to extensions this offseason, but Allen is eligible to be traded ahead of the 2024-25 NBA trade deadline.

“It felt for a time like big changes would be coming to Cleveland this summer,” NBA analyst Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote. “Beyond the trade whispers around Donovan Mitchell, there were rumblings about Darius Garland, plus the annual discussions about the long-term viability of the non-shooting frontcourt combo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

“The Cavaliers silenced those talks. Sort of. They committed to their core four, secured a contract extension from Mitchell and later extended Allen, too. Allen’s three-year, $91 million extension might not be the commitment it seems, though. NBA insider Marc Stein relayed that Allen was ‘essentially obligated’ to sign the deal by August 6, so he’d be eligible for a move ahead of the 2024-25 trade deadline. So, while things largely stayed the same in Cleveland this offseason, so did the debates about whether its two bigs can coexist. Mobley and Allen might share the same frontcourt for now, but the clock could be ticking on this twin-towers tandem.”

The Cavaliers signed Allen, Mobley and Donovan Mitchell to extensions this offseason.

Darius Garland also wasn’t traded. 

Cleveland beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in seven games but lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round in five games. JB Bickerstaff was fired as head coach and replaced by Kenny Atkinson, who signed a five-year deal. 

Allen averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 2023-24 for the Cavaliers, while Mobley averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.4 blocks.

Cleveland is 102-61 when Allen and Mobley are in the lineup together. That’s good for a winning percentage of .626.