The future is uncertain for the Cleveland Cavaliers as Donovan Mitchell’s impending decision on his future hangs over their heads.
While he’s done incredibly well as the core of Cleveland’s 2023-24 season, his hesitation to sign a fresh contract with Cleveland is putting all of the team’s roster-building strategies in the offseason at a halt.
The Cavs’ desire to keep him around is one of the major reasons behind their search for an upgrade on J.B. Bickerstaff. While they haven’t found a suitable replacement just yet, the sheer possibility of finding a qualified strategist could help the team keep Mitchell in the team for longer.
However, a new head coach isn’t the only thing the Cavs are doing in their bid to keep Mitchell. According to one recent report, a key player who meshed well with the Louisville product is also being kept on the roster for Spyda’s sake.
The Cleveland Cavaliers can’t trade Jarrett Allen due to insane chemistry with Donovan Mitchell
The Cavaliers understand that they need to make upgrades to their roster if they want to improve their playoff chances. Since they have Evan Mobley handling the interior, Jarrett Allen would be a valuable trade piece to bring in a capable wing player who can widen the Cavaliers’ attack patterns.
However, Uproxx’s Robby Kalland explains that his productive partnership with Mitchell is stopping the Cleveland front office from putting him up in the trade market.
He wrote about Marc Stein’s assessment of the Jarrett Allen situation and how Mitchell’s influence affects the Cavs:
One reason I’ve heard for the Cavaliers’ reported reluctance to trade Jarrett Allen despite ongoing questions about Allen’s fit in the same frontcourt alongside the emerging Evan Mobley: Donovan Mitchell is often described as an Allen fan who doesn’t want to lose him as a teammate.
It’s not surprising to see Allen stay put in Cleveland since their star player gave him the highest of praises. It also helps that the former Brooklyn Net averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 77 games this season.
However, the situation can quickly change if Mitchell decides to pack up and leave. With Mobley showing more of his growth in the postseason, Allen can become a key piece that will allow them to get a valuable guard or wing who can expedite Cleveland’s rebuild.
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