The 2024-25 NBA season is nearing the end, making it acceptable to begin exploring free agency trade ideas that could come to fruition this summer.
With the Los Angeles Lakers needing to acquire a competent center, a recent four-team trade proposal that brings the organization a Cleveland Cavaliers star big man and involves Duke legend Cooper Flagg should intrigue them.
“To quote Batman and George Costanza, ‘You want to get nuts,” ESPN wrote Monday. “Come on, let’s get nuts. Would the Cavaliers actually break up a team that posted the NBA’s second-best record (64-18) in pursuit of (Cooper) Flagg?”
“Surely not, but if Cleveland believed that the loss to the Indiana Pacers exposed fatal flaws and if the Cavaliers felt recentering the roster around 23-year-old Evan Mobley was the right response, this move could help everyone involved.”
“The Lakers get their long-desired rim-running center in (Jarrett) Allen, undoubtedly the best big man available to them in terms of current value.”
“Getting Allen costs them not only the pick, swap, and (Dalton) Knecht (what they tried to send the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams), but also a second swap. If the Lakers can build around Allen and (Luka) Doncic like they hope, that swap shouldn’t convey anyway.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
ESPN’s full trade proposal sends Donovan Mitchell, and draft capital to the Dallas Mavericks, the 2025 No. 1 pick (likely Flagg), Jevon Carter, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber P.J. Washington, and Daniel Gafford to the Cavaliers, Allen to the Lakers, and Knecht, Caleb Martin, and draft capital to the Chicago Bulls.
Although Allen struggled at times in the postseason, he finished the regular season as the most efficient player in the big leagues.
Allen, a polished low-post finisher and respectable rim runner, averaged 13.5 points per game on 70.6% shooting from the field while showcasing his durability in Year 8 (he played in all 82 games).
More importantly, the Texas product provides stability as a rebounder, as he grabbed 9.7 rebounds per contest with the Cavaliers this season. Allen isn’t shabby as a rim protector, either, as the long-armed big man recorded 0.9 blocks nightly.
Regarding well-rounded centers that should pique the Lakers’ interest this offseason, Allen should rank close to the top of Los Angeles’ list.
More NBA: Lakers make major 2025-26 season announcement involving Luka Doncic
