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[Saba Sports News] If the Cleveland Cavaliers decide to trade center Jarrett Allen this summer, the New Orleans Pelicans might act on their long-standing interest.
According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans have long coveted Allen. They are likely looking to replace veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, who is set to become a free agent, with a better rim protector.
Clark notes that the Pelicans have shown “significant interest” in Allen in the past but have been unable to acquire him from the Cavaliers. This could change in the offseason, as there is speculation that the Cavaliers may explore trade options for Allen. This speculation partly stems from Allen’s playoff injury, which some Cavaliers players felt he should have played through.
The 26-year-old Allen has two years remaining on a five-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2021. He averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game for Cleveland last season and could fulfill the rim protector role for the Pelicans. However, it is unclear what the Cavaliers would demand in a trade for him.