The Cleveland Cavaliers Continue to Build Around Jarrett Allen with a Lucrative Extension
The Cleveland Cavaliers are doubling down on their commitment to center Jarrett Allen. The team has secured Allen's services for three more years, agreeing to a $91 million contract extension that underscores the franchise’s faith in his abilities and potential. This new deal adds to the two years and $40 million remaining on his current contract, ensuring that Allen will remain a Cavalier for the next five years, with a total earning potential of $131 million.
Allen, now 26 years old, has proven to be a vital component of the Cavaliers' core. Known for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills, Allen’s impact on both ends of the floor has been significant. However, last season’s injury during the first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic was a setback. He missed the latter part of that series and the entire next round against the Boston Celtics, a glaring absence felt by the Cavaliers as they struggled without their defensive anchor.
In light of recent contracts and extensions within the team, Allen’s new deal aligns with the Cavaliers' strategy to retain and invest in their young, promising talents. The extension means that in the 2024-25 season, Allen's salary will constitute just under 13% of the team's salary cap, a manageable figure that reflects his value. By the end of the extension, his salary is projected to rise to 15.83% of the cap, signaling the team’s expectation of a rising salary cap and Allen’s ongoing contribution to their on-court success.
The Cavaliers’ offseason moves have not been limited to Allen’s extension. Star guard Donovan Mitchell has also agreed to a three-year extension, fortifying the backcourt and ensuring that the team’s offensive and defensive balance remains intact. Additionally, rising star Evan Mobley has signed a rookie extension potentially worth $269 million over five seasons, illustrating the team's long-term plans centered around their young talents.
This series of extensions and new signings has been accompanied by a significant change on the bench. The Cavaliers hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach for the season. Atkinson’s relationship with Allen dates back to their time with the Brooklyn Nets, where Atkinson served as head coach and played a key role in Allen’s early development. The familiarity between player and coach is expected to ease the transition and potentially unlock new dimensions of Allen’s game under Atkinson’s guidance.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming season, the organization’s clear commitment to its core players is expected to pay dividends. The offensive and defensive capabilities of Allen, combined with the growing chemistry between Mitchell and Mobley, position the Cavaliers as a team to watch. The familiarity Allen has with Atkinson’s coaching style and philosophy could also serve as an X-factor in the team’s performance.
Despite the challenges posed by last season’s injury, Allen's resilience and dedication appear undeterred. The extension signals mutual trust between the player and the organization, a sentiment echoed by the recent contractual commitments of Mitchell and Mobley. Together, these moves depict a cohesive strategy aimed at building a sustainable and competitive team for years to come.
As preseason preparations continue, all eyes will be on how the Cavaliers gel under new leadership and the renewed commitments of their key players. With the front office making decisive moves, the stage is set for the Cavaliers to assert themselves as a formidable force in the league, driven by the talents of Jarrett Allen and his teammates.