Cavs: Will ‘Core 4’ finally win, or just PR Spin?

3. Cavs C Jarrett Allen

What was said: “He’s a Team USA finalist”

Cavs Twitter was acting like Cleveland stole Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when they landed Allen, which helped Brooklyn and Houston get the James Harden trade done.

He averaged 12.3 points and 10 rebounds per game, and he’s a shot blocker, averaging 1.4 swats per game. The Cavs were really lacking in this department, and Allen certainly shored it up.

But he’s coming due for restricted free agency and the Cavs are probably going to have to match a large offer.

I just can’t help but think about the modern NBA, where big men who can stretch the floor seize the day. That’s not to say that Allen doesn’t have a place in the NBA, but it does concern me about the amount of money the Cavs might invest in him.

Verdict: Yes. He’s a good young player and the Cavaliers can’t let him walk after trumpeting how they came away with him in the three-team trade.

Also know this: Brooklyn probably didn’t want to give him up, but when it came to deal, they had no problem including Allen.