Multiple Teams Want Jarrett Allen; Donovan Mitchell, Kenny Atkinson Want Cavaliers To Keep Him

Multiple NBA teams want to trade for Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen. 

However, sources told Hoops Wire that Donovan Mitchell and new head coach Kenny Atkinson want Allen to remain with the Cavaliers. 

Atkinson signed a five-year deal with Cleveland, while Mitchell signed a three-year extension. 

Allen, who has two years and $40 million left on his contract, averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line.  

The Boston Celtics beat the Cavaliers in the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs in five games. Mitchell missed Games 4 and 5 with a calf injury, while Allen missed the entire series with a rib injury. 

Atkinson coached Allen on the Brooklyn Nets. The two have a close relationship. 

The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the teams very interested in trading for Allen. However, the Cavaliers don’t want to trade the big man, even if the deal gets them Brandon Ingram, who has one year left on his contract and is looking for a max extension. 

A one-time All-Star, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Pelicans in 2023-24 while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc and 80.1% from the free-throw line.

The Pelicans acquired Ingram from the Los Angeles Lakers in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade. New Orleans is only 144-143 with Ingram in the lineup.

Unless Allen or Darius Garland request a trade, the Cavaliers don’t plan to trade either player. There have been rumors that Klutch Sports Group could ask Cleveland to trade Garland now that Mitchell signed his extension, but so far, no trade request from Rich Paul has been delivered. 

Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 2023-24 while shooting 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $36.7 million next season.

The Cavaliers want to build around Mitchell, Garland, Allen and Evan Mobley. They believe Atkinson can take the group to another level.