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Why would the Cleveland Cavaliers downgrade from Jarrett Allen to Deandre Ayton

By Chad Porto

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Footprint Center on January 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers beat the Suns 112-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game at Footprint Center on January 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers beat the Suns 112-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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Bill Simmons has suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers trade Jarrett Allen for Deandre Ayton and we’re left wondering why?

Everyone and their mother wants the Cleveland Cavaliers to trade Jarrett Allen. And everyone and their mother keep coming up with trades that make no sense. The Cavs certainly enjoy Allen, he’s a former All-Star, and one of the best defenders in the league, and the constant demand to trade him is surprising. Especially for the bits and bobs we usually see suggested.

Now Bill Simmons (via King James Gospel) is getting into the “Bad Trade Booking” portion of the internet and suggesting his own half-baked trade idea. Simmons thinks the Cavs should trade Allen and Cedi Osman for Deandre Ayton.

Why would the Cavs make this trade? Allen is a better defender than Ayton, which is what the Cavs want from the position. Allen is also a better post-player than Ayton. Heck, Allen is just better than Ayton.

Look at their ORtg’s, Ayton put up a respectable 119, while Allen put up a 132. Defensively it’s Ayton’s 111 compared to Allen’s 108.

Ayton posted an OBPM of 0.9 and a DPBM of 0.0,  for a BPM of 0.9. Allen posted an OPBM of 1.3, and a DPBM of 1.0, for a total BPM of 2.4.

Ayton’s RAPTOR scores are -2.4 on offense, and -0.3 on defense, while Allen’s is -0.5 on offense and +1.7 on defense.

There is no world where a trade for Ayton is an upgrade. But there’s an even bigger issue.

The Jarrett Allen and Deandre Ayton trade hurts the Cleveland Cavaliers’ depth

The Cavs wouldn’t just be losing the better player, but would also be losing actual depth at the wing with Cedi Osman. I don’t want to trade Osman, but I’m ok with it if you get back a player for him. As was suggested, putting him in a trade for a first-round pick. But even then, the Cavs would get back someone like Rudy Gay or Patty Mills and the draft pick. That’s a one-for-two swap.

Grand Gay and Mills are on their last legs, you’re at least keeping your depth and still getting a second rookie out of the draft.

But this trade? This trade just hurts the Cavs, gets them an inferior player, and reduces the depth of a team that already struggled with that very same thing last year.

I’m tired of Allen being judged off of three or four bad games. Allen is among the best centers in the league, and it’s high time people realized that the Cavs’ collapse against the New York Knicks wasn’t on Allen. It was those that provided the perimeter defense and the perimeter scoring that bore fault. The Cavs couldn’t stop anyone from driving to the rim, let alone respond when they did.

Allen isn’t the issue.

Next. 3 of the most embarrassing moments in Cleveland Cavaliers history. dark

  • Published on 06/21/2023 at 23:00 PM
  • Last updated at 06/21/2023 at 23:00 PM
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