New NBA Trade Intel Links Pelicans To Cavs’ Jarrett Allen

The New Orleans Pelicans called the Cleveland Cavaliers about trading for center Jarrett Allen, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

It doesn’t appear the Cavaliers are interested in parting ways with Allen, who is one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the NBA. Cleveland acquired the Texas product from the Brooklyn Nets.

The Dallas Mavericks are another team who tried to trade for Allen, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The Mavs are looking for a talented center to play with All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

“New Orleans made one call, sources said, to Cleveland about obtaining Jarrett Allen,” Fischer wrote.

Allen signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cavaliers in August 2021. He averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this past season while shooting 64.4% from the field and 73.3% from the free-throw line.Cleveland lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games.

Current Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas has one year left on his contract. He will make $15.4 million next season. Valanciunas averaged 14.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists this past season while shooting 54.7% from the floor, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 82.6% from the free-throw line. The 31-year-old recorded 43 double-doubles in 79 starts.

New Orleans struggled this past season mostly because star forward Zion Williamson only played in 29 games. The All-Star hasn’t been able to stay healthy since getting drafted by the Pelicans in 2019. Zion has only played in 114 NBA games.

Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Pelicans in July 2022. The North Carolina native has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

It will be interesting to see if the Pelicans make any big moves this summer after missing the playoffs this year.