Now there’s absolutely no indication that the Cavs are actively shopping Allen or even entertaining the idea of trading him. He’s a borderline All-Star level player and the Cavs defensive anchor. But if the Pelicans interest in Allen is real, they should target him as best they can at the trade deadline. He has the potential to vault them closer to contender status in the West.

This season, Allen has played in 42 games for the Cavs at a little over 30 minutes per game. He’s been averaging 15.5 points per game, 10.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocked shots with splits of 64.6 percent shooting from the field and 75 percent shooting from the free throw line.

A potential Allen deal would definitely cost the Pelicans Valanciunas and his expiring contract. The Pelicans would likely have to throw in sweeteners to make it worthwhile from the Cavs perspective. The Cavs do have Evan Mobley who could theoretically make Allen expendable. The Pelicans could throw in Dyson Daniels, a promising young guard as part of the deal and it would make salaries match up.

Allen would provide the Pelicans with a legitimate rim protector. Their defense would become worlds better. The Pelicans are currently 28-21 and in seventh place in the Western Conference standings. They’ve won two games in a row but are 5-5 in their last ten. An Allen addition could propel the Pelicans closer to a top four seed. That’s how much of an impact he makes on the defensive end. They are only a game and a half back of the 5th seeded Sacramento Kings.