Amidst swirling rumors about Jonas Valančiūnas potentially departing for another team this summer, NBA insider Will Guillory of The Athletic thinks the New Orleans Pelicans might aim to acquire Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the upcoming offseason as they contemplate roster adjustments.
Guillory noted, “I think Jarrett Allen is another guy the Pelicans would be interested in for their center position,” during a discussion with Michael Scotto on the HoopsHype podcast.
According to sources, the Pelicans attempted to secure Allen’s services earlier this season, but the Cavaliers were not keen on parting ways with the 26 year old center.
Allen, who played 77 games for the Cavaliers this season, showcased impressive statistics, averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks, with a shooting efficiency of 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line.
Scotto further added that it’s unlikely Jonas Valančiūnas will remain with the Pelicans, with the team prioritizing floor-spacing around Zion Williamson for the upcoming season. Valančiunas is poised to become one of the top unrestricted free agent big men.
It’s worth noting that Allen previously played under Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon during Langdon’s tenure as a Brooklyn Nets executive.
Entering the final year of his contract, Allen is set to earn $20 million next season, boasting career averages of 12.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks with both the Nets and the Cavaliers.
In Cleveland, the focus this offseason seems to revolve around Donovan Mitchell, with potential contract extensions and player options in play, while the Cavaliers’ playoff journey continues against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, currently tied 1-1.
Shifting back to the Pelicans, Trey Murphy will be eligible for a rookie scale extension this summer. Scotto believes the North Carolina native will be seeking a deal worth at least $25 million annually, citing contracts signed by Devin Vassell and Jaden McDaniels as reference points. Guillory suggests the team would prefer to secure Murphy’s extension before the start of next season.