Jarrett Allen told NBA reporter Marc J. Spears of Andscape that he’s “happy” the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t trade him last offseason.
Allen was in trade rumors last summer, but the Cavaliers wound up signing him to a three-year, $90 million extension.
“I was happy,” Allen said. “I really mesh well with these guys. It’s just a good group to be around.”
Allen played for Kenny Atkinson in Brooklyn.
Atkinson told the Cavaliers to keep Allen, who is one of the best centers in the NBA.
“There was some talk before the season of whether these two bigs can work together, J.A. [Allen] and Evan Mobley,” Atkinson said. “We had the discussions. We talked about it. I believed it could work because I knew [Allen’s] skillset. I also knew how important a versatile lineup is in the playoffs. So, me and J.A. talked about it.”
Allen is averaging 13.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 blocks this season while shooting 70.5% from the field.
The Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA at 48-10.
“I understand the business of all this. I understand that people are going to make moves to try to elevate the team however they feel possible,” Allen said. “And if I wasn’t part of that plan, so be it. I’ve been a part of the Brooklyn trade that brought James Harden to Brooklyn. So, I’m not saying I’m numb to it. But I understand how things go.”
For the first time in the second-post LeBron James era, the Cavaliers are title contenders.
“It’s different. Everybody understands that we’re fighting for something. Everybody’s locking in to another degree,” Allen said. “Shout out to Evan. He’s taking a huge step to lead us this in that direction. Darius is coming back after breaking his jaw. He gone on to [show] the All-Star, All-NBA player that he is. And we just all have a common goal in mind. We’re willing to all sacrifice.”
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