1. Wizards target Allen
The Cavaliers could be the center of the offseason activity. The Donovan Mitchell trade rumors exploded the moment Cleveland was knocked out. He is extension-eligible this summer. The Cavs cannot afford to let him reach free agency, so trade talks will happen if he declines a fresh contract.
They have an ill-fitting roster behind Mitchell. Darius Garland could be traded if Mitchell stays to split their undersized backcourt. The Cavaliers also have two non-shooting big men. Expect Jarrett Allen to be on the block this summer, and he could be a strong fit if he is willing to lead the rebuild in the nation’s capital.
Allen is only 26 years old and has seven years of NBA experience. The former All-Star is a strong rebounder and rim protector capable of switching onto the perimeter. He would give the Wizards a defensive anchor in the middle and a veteran to lead their young group.
This trade is likely a bit too soon for the Wizards. They need more young building blocks before adding a veteran eager to compete. Still, this trade makes sense in a weak draft. Flipping Kyle Kuzma for Allen makes them younger with more upside. Cleveland wants a power forward to play next to Evan Mobley, and Kuzma could be a strong fit.
Expect Kyle Kuzma to be in trade rumors again this summer. The Washington Wizards should move him and embrace a full rebuild. It will be a difficult couple of years in the nation’s capital, but they will be an exciting young team with upside soon enough. Now, it is all about building.