Cavs’ Jarrett Allen selected as player team ‘most likely’ to trade

Jarrett Allen’s name has surfaced again in NBA speculation, and what else is new?

Lately, those around the league have pointed to the Cavaliers’ roster construction as the reason his future frequently gets discussed.

Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale is the latest to note that Allen could be a candidate to move before February’s trade deadline, citing the ongoing balance between Allen’s role and Evan Mobley’s development at center.

Around the league, executives have long debated whether Cleveland eventually shifts more fully toward Mobley in the middle.

Mobley has spent roughly two-thirds of his minutes at center this season, while Allen is averaging 26.1 minutes, his lowest figure since his rookie year. For the record, Allen is currently injured (finger) and out of the lineup, and frankly, the Cavs haven’t been quite the same without him.

Anyway, Favale suggested that if the Cavs ever made a major structural move, Allen could be part of it, given Cleveland’s cap position and the long-term vision for Mobley’s offensive growth.

Again, none of that reflects internal urgency from the Cavs, who continue to value Allen highly. The former All-Star is averaging 14.3 points and 7.6 rebounds on 57 percent shooting and remains one of the league’s more efficient and steady big men. He’s owed $20 million this season and doesn’t hold a no-trade clause.

Cleveland sits at 14-11 after navigating injuries, lineup changes, and a front-loaded schedule. The organization has been careful not to rush decisions or overreact to early-season turbulence.

Allen has been linked in past seasons to teams like the Pelicans and Pacers. But for now, any conversation around his future remains speculation from the outside as the Cavs focus on stabilizing and getting healthy.