The Cleveland Cavaliers have made it crystal clear that they do not intend to deal Donovan Mitchell prior to the NBA trade deadline next week, and they reportedly are also turning away anyone who might have interest in acquiring Jarrett Allen.
The 25-year-old center is one of the high-profile names who don’t appear to be on the market in the final days leading up to the deadline.
“The same goes for Jarrett Allen in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers have rebuffed any interest in their All-Star center, sources said, not to mention the team’s strong stance they’re holding onto Donovan Mitchell,” wrote NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Allen is averaging 15.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in his 41 appearances this season. As one of only three Cavs to play in more than 40 games so far this season, he has been an important piece as they have overcome absences of various lengths of their star players, notably Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Cleveland has won 12 of its past 13 games. It holds a 30-16 record after a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday that extended its latest winning streak to four games.
Allen himself saw this potential early in the season when he said the Cavs were planting seeds for something special.
It is clear why the Cavs would not want to break up something going so well by trading away Allen or Mitchell, who some teams may be trying to acquire because he has not yet agreed to a contract extension to remain in Cleveland for the long term.
The Cavs have left inquiring teams no doubt that they do not intend to part with the 27-year-old who was recently named a reserve for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game after being passed over for a starter’s role.
The NBA trade deadline reportedly may be a quiet one, with players such as Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz, Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves also reportedly being held onto by their respective teams.
Even with Garland back in action after recovering from a fractured jaw, the Cavs reportedly may be looking for some backcourt help at the deadline. However, if any type of trade is made by the Cavs, it definitely looks like it will not include Allen or Mitchell as part of the package.
