Trevor Joseph
The Cleveland Cavaliers may have some money issues lurking around the corner. This very well may be the last season that Cleveland’s core remains intact as they might have to make some tough choices next year. There is league-wide belief that Evan Mobley will take over as the Cavaliers’ full-time center. Reports are coming in that GM’s around the NBA think Cleveland will have a hard time keeping their expensive core group of players together. Jarrett Allen, who is arguably the most expendable of their core has had his name in trade rumors all offseason.
Jarrett Allen Trade?
“Trade chatter typically comes with being the fourth wheel,” Fedor wrote. “Given the other members of Cleveland’s core, Allen is realistically the most expendable piece, especially with the league-wide belief that Mobley is eventually going to become the Cavs’ full-time center and the organization will have a tough time keeping an expensive roster together.” According to CavaliersNation.com.
As of right now, it seems that the Cleveland Cavaliers are planning to run things back with Allen, Mobley, Garland, and Mitchell. The Cavs are coming off their best Post LeBron James era season as they made the playoffs as the 4th seed. Although the Cavs came up short in the first round to the Knicks, this young team had a very solid first year together.
Evan Mobley has already made his case for the best defensive big man in the league. In Mobley’s young career, he has finished second for Rookie of the Year and top three for Defensive Player of the Year. Mobley averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block per game last season. He also led the league in defensive win shares. Playing Mobley and Allen together gives Cleveland a great inside defense, but it also limits their floor spacing.
Trying to Run It Back
The team has been trying to combat that with their moves this offseason. They went out and got some good outside shooters, Max Strus being the headliner. While many think Cleveland will have to split up their core, they do not have to rush this. Mobley still has two more seasons left on his rookie deal. This gives Cleveland a window to contend for a championship with this core.
If The Cleveland Cavaliers make a deep playoff run this season the talks of breaking up their core may die down. It will be very interesting to see what route Cleveland takes when it comes to contract extensions. Can they keep everyone on a long-term deal? Can they make everyone happy? Only time will tell.
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevelandCavaliers.
