Just recently, one-time All-Star center Jarrett Allen signed a contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $91 million. However, there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to this matter, especially after rumors that the franchise obligated the big man to ink the contract for a specific reason.
Around a week ago, the Cavaliers have agreed to a three-year, $91 million contract extension with Allen. This deal will now guarantee Allen $131 million over the next five seasons.
This extension comes after the Cavaliers also signed Donovan Mitchell to a three-year, $150.3 million extension and emerging big man Evan Mobley to a five-year, $224 million max deal. As it stands, the franchise appeared to keep its young star-studded nucleus together as they look to build on their playoff appearances the last two seasons.
Allen was especially productive when Darius Garland and Mobley missed time due to injuries last season, showcasing his ability to be a focal point of the offense. Though he suffered a broken rib in the playoffs, the Cavaliers were significantly better with him in the lineup, going 90-55 over the past two years compared to 9-10 without him.
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Obligated All-Star Center Jarrett Allen To Sign His Contract Extension
Days after the extension was inked by both parties, rumors have surfaced that Cleveland may entertain the idea of moving Allen sometime next season. In a report by Tyler Conway for Bleacher Report, there’s a chance the center might not be a part of the team before the trade deadline.
“NBA insider Marc Stein reported Allen was “essentially obligated” to sign his three-year, $91 million contract extension by Aug. 6 so the Cavaliers could still potentially trade him before the 2024-25 deadline. Allen will be eligible to be traded Feb. 2, 2025, exactly six months after signing his new deal.
Rival teams have long viewed the duo of Allen and Evan Mobley as an awkward fit over the long term. Mobley is a more natural center in the modern game, and Allen can only play center given his size and lack of ability to stretch the floor,” Conway wrote.
Allen, who was an All-Star in 2022, averaged career-highs of 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists last season. He has become an indispensable part of the Cavaliers’ core, which has turned things around since the departure of superstar forward LeBron James in 2019.
It remains to be seen whether Allen can last the whole season or find himself with another team before the deadline. In any case, Cleveland fans will keep an eye out for this potential development that may unfold next season.
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