The NBA trade deadline is bringing a whirlwind of activity, with the clock ticking towards Thursday, February 5th, at 3:00 PM. The Cleveland Cavaliers have already made significant moves in their roster, igniting discussion among fans and analysts alike about their strategies.
In an initial but not entirely unexpected move, the Cavaliers traded forward De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis. This trade was largely anticipated given the Cavs’ salary situation, which was pushing them over the second apron, and Hunter’s disappointing performance this season, particularly his struggles with three-point shooting.
However, the more shocking trade came when Cleveland dealt Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for former MVP James Harden. This trade signals the Cavaliers’ belief that their current roster may lack the firepower to compete for a championship.
Amidst this flurry of trades, center Jarrett Allen’s name has surfaced in various trade discussions. Recently, the Cavaliers reportedly turned down an offer that would have sent Allen to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Nikola Vucevic and a first-round pick. Vucevic, who was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics, is averaging 16.9 points and 9.0 rebounds this season, but he is considerably older than Allen.
The decision to decline the trade has resonated positively with many Cavs fans, as they see value in retaining a younger, more defensively capable player like Allen, who is currently earning $20 million a year and is set for a notable cap increase in the coming seasons. In contrast, Vucevic’s higher salary, while on par this year, comes with the uncertainty of him being an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Cleveland’s refusal to part with Allen in the proposed deal suggests they are not eager to give him up easily and may be looking for a better package. Nonetheless, the Cavaliers are expected to remain active as the trade deadline approaches, continuing to explore options to strengthen their roster for the remainder of the season. The upcoming days will be crucial as the NBA landscape continues to shift.