Pelicans dream scenario for 2024 NBA Trade Deadline

Jarrett Allen - Cleveland Cavaliers Center - ESPN

The one move that could put the Pelicans over the top.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in an interesting position in the Western Conference with the NBA Trade Deadline approaching. They’re a team that has the talent to be one of the better teams in the conference and a potential contender, but they’ve been playing inconsistent basketball. There is one move though that could help put the Pelicans over the top and that’s if they’re able to pull off a trade for the Cleveland Cavaliers Jarrett Allen.

Pelicans need to trade for Jarrett Allen at the NBA Trade Deadline

Jarrett Allen makes the Cavs a winner by doing the dirty work | Jeff Schudel – News-Herald

Jonas Valanciunas has been a solid center option for the Pelicans but they’ve been reportedly kicking the tires on upgrading the center position, most notably with Jarrett Allen via trade. The basis behind the rumored interest is the Pelicans desire to get a center who fits the future timeline alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

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.

Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers News