Monitoring the Cavaliers' Success

As the NBA season kicks off, the Cleveland Cavaliers are under the microscope of numerous teams looking to gauge the availability of center Jarrett Allen. According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, many franchises are paying close attention to how the Cavaliers perform this season, particularly given the standout success of the Evan Mobley–Jarrett Allen combination.

Jarrett Allen's Stellar Performance

Jarrett Allen, who started all 82 games last season, averaged 13.5 points while boasting a league-high shooting percentage of 70.6%. The 27-year-old big man also contributed significantly on the boards, pulling down 9.7 rebounds per game. Entering his ninth season in the NBA and sixth with the Cavaliers, Allen made a notable impact after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets in the four-team James Harden deal back in January 2021.

Since joining the Cavaliers, Allen has thrived, even earning his first All-Star nod in 2022. Alongside Mobley, he has helped fortify a relatively small backcourt, allowing the team to maintain competitive success. The Cavaliers have enjoyed four consecutive winning seasons and have reached the playoffs three times, including a season where they clinched an Eastern Conference-high 64 wins and advanced to the semifinals.

Looking Ahead

Despite a disappointing end to last season against the Indiana Pacers, where injuries plagued several key players, the Cavaliers are once again viewed as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Currently, they stand second in the odds to win the NBA Finals, trailing only the defending champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

With the potential for a hot start this season, Cleveland might just quiet any trade talks surrounding Allen. There’s a chance that the combination of Allen and Mobley could prove to be more synergistic as they aim to elevate the franchise's aspirations for an NBA championship, especially now that Allen has signed a three-year, $90.7 million contract extension through 2029.