NBA Notes: Cavs, Jarrett Allen, Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, Hornets

Cavaliers

Should the Cavaliers finally move on from Jarrett Allen?

That’s the argument made by Nick Pedone of Cavaliers on SI, who suggested Cleveland may need to cash in one of its most valuable trade assets to address a bigger need on the wing.

Pedone stressed the idea isn’t about Allen’s production. In fact, he praised the veteran center’s play and value. The issue, he wrote, is roster construction.

With LeBron James choosing the 76ers and Eastern Conference contenders adding stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard, Pedone believes the Cavaliers should explore whether Allen could bring back the type of impact wing they’ve been searching for.

He also questioned whether the Cavs’ pairing of Allen and Evan Mobley still provides enough offensive spacing in today’s NBA.

Allen has been mentioned in trade rumors before, and the Cavs have never shown much desire to move him. Still, as Pedone noted, sometimes improving a good roster requires giving up a good player.

Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards may be running out of excuses defensively.

That’s the takeaway from Andrew Carlson of Timberwolves on SI, who argued Minnesota’s addition of LaMelo Ball should allow Edwards to focus more energy on the defensive end.

Carlson pointed out that Edwards carried a massive offensive workload last season, often facing constant double teams while also serving as the Wolves’ primary playmaker.

Now, with Ball expected to handle much of those responsibilities, Carlson believes the spotlight shifts squarely onto Edwards.

The talent has never been in question. Consistency has.

If Edwards returns to being the disruptive perimeter defender he flashed earlier in his career while maintaining his offensive production, the Timberwolves could become one of the West’s most complete teams.

Hornets

Making the playoffs in the Eastern Conference just became a whole lot tougher.

Mike Lacett of Hornets on SI examined how dramatically the conference changed this offseason and what it means for Charlotte.

The additions of LeBron James in Philadelphia, Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami and Kawhi Leonard in Toronto have only made an already competitive conference more difficult to navigate. Add in the defending champion Knicks, a healthy Pistons squad, the Celtics and Cavaliers, and there simply aren’t many easy nights left.

Lacett argued Charlotte may have positioned itself well for the future despite moving on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.

The present, however, suddenly looks much more challenging.