In a league where versatility and rim protection have never been more valuable, few centers have quietly exhibited winning basketball like Jarrett Allen. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ anchor in the paint, Allen has built a reputation on elite efficiency, relentless rebounding, and the kind of defensive presence that alters game plans.
As trade rumors swirl and teams across the NBA look to bolster their frontcourts, Allen’s name has emerged as a potential difference-maker for contenders and up-and-coming squads.
But what makes Allen such a coveted piece, and which teams could benefit most from his unique skill set? Let’s explore the teams that make the most sense for Allen’s services heading into 2025.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers’ need for a reliable, athletic center has been a recurring theme. Anthony Davis is no longer there, but even when he was, he preferred to play alongside a traditional big. The team’s lack of one hurt them down the stretch of the season.
“I wanted to look like LeBron.”
Jarrett Allen wanted to be like the King with his fastbreak slam tonight 👑🤣 pic.twitter.com/YttsAwR8HW
— NBA (@NBA) April 3, 2025
The Lakers’ decision to rescind a trade deadline deal for Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams exposed them in the paint. While Jaxson Hayes showed flashes, he struggled to stay on the floor, forcing head coach JJ Reddick to lean heavily on small-ball lineups. Although LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Rui Hachimura bring size, the team lacked a big, physical paint presence.
Allen averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and shot a league-best 70.6% from the field in 2024-25. He would instantly upgrade Los Angeles’ interior presence. He ranked sixth in the league in total rebounds (798), and his elite finishing ranked in the 97th percentile for effective field-goal percentage (70.8%) among centers. That would provide the Lakers with high-efficiency scoring around the rim.
Defensively, Allen’s ability to anchor the paint is critical. The Lakers have struggled with rim protection and second-chance points allowed. Allen’s defensive rebounding rate (26.7%) and block numbers (1.2 career blocks per game) would help stabilize the team on that end.
Trading for Allen would give Dončić a dependable lob threat and pick-and-roll partner.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have lacked a true rim protector and elite rebounder for years. Former Duke standout Williams had an opportunity to be that, and showed flashes, but he has yet to play more than 44 games in any of his three NBA seasons.
Charlotte tried to trade Williams to the Lakers during the season, but the deal fell through. Ultimately, the team moved on from him during the draft, sending him to the Phoenix Suns. That leaves a glaring hole at the center position.
The Hornets drafted Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner, one of the more NBA-ready bigs in the class with elite defensive traits. However, exploring a trade for an All-Star-caliber player in Allen could elevate this team’s stock in the Eastern Conference.
Allen’s presence would immediately address these weaknesses. The near-seven-footer is one of the best rebounders in the NBA. Charlotte finished in the bottom half of the league in both defensive rebounding and opponent points in the paint, making Allen’s skill set an ideal fit.
Offensively, Allen’s efficiency as a roll man would pair perfectly with LaMelo Ball’s passing vision. His ability to finish lobs and clean up around the basket would boost the Hornets’ half-court offense, which often stagnated without a reliable interior scorer.
Defensively, Allen’s 2.9% block rate and 1.2 defensive box plus/minus would give Charlotte a much-needed anchor in the paint.
Golden State Warriors
Adding Allen could be a game-changing move for the Golden State Warriors, as it addresses their frontcourt issues while supporting their championship aspirations. As one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors, Allen’s presence in the paint would instantly shore up a Warriors defense that struggled with rebounding and interior protection last year.
Golden State often relied on the undersized Draymond Green to battle against bigger centers. As good a defender as Green is, he’s into his mid-30s now, and banging with bigs all season long can take a toll on the body. Allen’s ability to anchor the paint would allow Green to shift back to power forward, maximizing his defensive versatility and playmaking.
Offensively, Allen’s skill as a rim runner and lob threat perfectly complements Stephen Curry’s off-ball ability and Jimmy Butler III’s slashing. His screen-setting would also open up cleaner looks for Curry and support Butler’s mid-range game.
While Golden State would likely need to part with young assets like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, or Jonathan Kuminga to get a deal done, that may be a risk worth taking with their veteran core aging. The West is tough, but adding a legitimate big man could spark another serious run at a title.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans would be an ideal landing spot for Allen as they look to establish long-term stability and size in the frontcourt. Following a disappointing 21–61 season and a complete front office overhaul, the franchise wants to establish a reliable core to build around.
A nucleus of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Derik Queen, and Jeremiah Fears is enticing, but the Pelicans still lack a legitimate post presence at the center spot. Allen is a proven rim protector, an elite rebounder, and, perhaps most importantly for New Orleans, incredibly durable, something the injury-plagued roster needs.
The Pelicans might not want to part ways with Herbert Jones because they’ve invested so much in his development, but given the current state of the roster, center is the most glaring hole.
Pairing Allen with Williamson would create one of the NBA’s most athletic and physically imposing frontcourts. Allen’s low-usage, high-efficiency style (13.9% usage rate, per Cleaning the Glass) means he won’t take touches away from Williamson or Murphy, but he’ll still be effective.
With the talent around him, Allen could maximize opportunities as a lob threat and offensive rebounder, while being a consistent anchor on the defensive end for a team that had the second-worst defensive rating in the NBA (119.1), per NBA advanced stats.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite trade speculation, there’s a strong argument for Cleveland to keep Allen. The Cavaliers posted a 64-18 record and fielded one of the league’s best defensive teams (111.8 defensive rating) with Allen anchoring the paint.
Jarrett Allen received his award for having the highest FG% (.706) in the NBA in the 2024-25 regular season, in which he played ALL 82 GAMES, today at practice.
This is also the highest FG% held by any Cavs player in a single season in franchise history! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/8qfm1kpeuF
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 22, 2025
The Cavaliers may find it difficult to part ways with a player who was a significant part of their success. They were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and even though they suffered an earlier exit than anticipated, the team is in prime position to contend again in 2025.
Allen’s elite finishing and rebounding provide the Cavaliers with a reliable interior presence, while his defensive impact allows Evan Mobley to roam and disrupt on the perimeter.
At just 27 years old, Allen is in his prime and remains a foundational piece for a team with championship aspirations. Trading him would mean losing one of the league’s most efficient, durable, and impactful centers at a time when the Cavs are poised to compete for a title.
Allen also signed a three-year, $91 million extension last July, which suggests the Cavaliers want him as part of their future.
