The perfect Lakers trade offer for Jarrett Allen

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

The Cleveland Cavaliers are exploring trades for Jarrett Allen this offseason. Following Cleveland’s elimination, many players in the Cavs’ core, including Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and now Allen, could be on the move.

If the Lakers don’t end up with Mitchell, they should be on the phone about Allen. Allen is one of the top ten centers in the league, as he averaged 17/11/3 with 1.1 blocks on 63.4% from the field. 

With that in mind, let’s break down the perfect Lakers trade offer for Jarrett Allen.

Jarrett Allen Likely to be Shopped by Cavs, per @WindhorstESPN

"I would just say that while there's an extreme interest and excitement probably from certain fanbases to go to the trade machine and work out Donovan Mitchell trades... I would think the Cavs are going to be… pic.twitter.com/UDzRgCvoka

— Dime Alerts (@DimeAlerts) May 17, 2024

Cavaliers acquire: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 17th overall pick, and a 2026 first-round pick swap

Lakers acquire: Jarrett Allen

This trade proposal offers the Lakers a chance to secure their “third star” without incurring significant financial costs. In exchange for Jarrett Allen, the Purple and Gold would part with Rui Hachimura, a quality role player, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a promising young talent, the 17th overall pick, and a future pick swap. 

This deal could significantly bolster the Lakers' defensive capabilities, a key area of improvement for the team. 

While this may seem like a lot, this deal would greatly improve LA's defensive play. Having Allen at center would allow Davis to move back to power forward, which he played in the 2020 championship season. 

A frontcourt of Davis and Allen would be dominant defensively, with Davis as a roamer. This would allow them to better match up with West contenders like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, who have dominant bigs.

The Best Playoff Performance for every Cavalier: Jarrett Allen G2 vs Magic:

16 Points, 20 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 2 Steals, 3 Blocks, 60% FG 50% FT, +12 pic.twitter.com/zXN9Bk1eI7

— 🧙🏾‍♂️🧣 (@Precision80) May 15, 2024

Allen is also on a reasonable contract, earning $20 million annually for the next two seasons. The 26-year-old would be an exceptional fit and help the Lakers' defense become elite.

The front office would then focus on adding 3&D wings to round out the roster in free agency. 

If the Lakers miss out on a top star like Mitchell, they should pursue a mid-tier star like Allen, who would transform their defense and improve the roster.