The Cleveland Cavaliers started to come of age this season, as they finished with the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference and made the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James’ departure in 2018.
Starting center Jarrett Allen was a significant factor in that success, as his rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to finish strong near the hoop gave them a major presence in the paint.
However, in order to go from a good team to a great team, teams sometimes need to make bold moves rather than hold on.
Cavs commentator and analyst Garrett Bush feels the team needs to try to trade Allen for the Washington Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis in order to take the next step.
The #Cavs should be on the phone right now with the Wizard trying to make a move for Porziņģis even if it means Jarrett Allen is in the deal. It’s a major upgrade the #Cavs scoring ability.
— Garrett Bush (@Gbush91) June 19, 2023
The Wizards just may be open to trading Porzingis, as they’re in the process of sending star guard Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns, which will trigger a rebuilding project.
Just a few months ago, they also traded away forward Rui Hachimura, and they could lose Kyle Kuzma in free agency this summer.
Porzingis is bigger than Allen, as he stands 7-foot-3, and he has always been a capable scorer.
He averaged 23.2 points a game while shooting a career-high 49.8 percent from the field, and like Allen, he’s also a good rebounder and rim-protector.
The one big concern with Porzingis is his ability to stay healthy — he hasn’t played in at least 70 games in a single season since his rookie campaign, and he has had numerous significant injuries ever since.
He has a player option for next season that he could decline in order to become a free agent this summer.
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