2 realistic expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2023 offseason

Realistic expectation No. 2: Allen trade suggestions are there, but he’s not dealt

For the second realistic expectation for Cleveland’s offseason, it pertains to the Allen discourse.

As we previously mentioned, and as many have pointed out for the past month-plus since their first round exit, Allen did not play well enough in the Knicks series.

He wasn’t active enough offensively, was seemingly deterred to some degree as a finisher and diving threat, and in the last few games of the series, was not nearly as effective as he typically is on the glass. In the last two games, Allen had just eight total rebounds, and had a five in Game 3, a game when he registered only six points. In Game 5, he had four points and attempted just six shots in 36 minutes.

Point being, Allen did not have the series one was looking for. He wasn’t the only one, however, to reiterate.

Allen and Mobley’s defensive workload is also something to keep in mind, and that defensive duo was outstanding on that end of the floor this season, when Cleveland had the No. 1 defense. Cleveland’s primary issue was on offense in the playoffs, too.

To that point, though, have spurred on the Allen trade suggestions. Allen has meant so much to the Cavaliers defensively with his rim protection, activity, and strides taken to be more viable in switchout situations.

The trade suggestions are there about the offensive end. Allen is still a non-shooter, and while there definitely have been flashes, he’s even seemed hesitant to let looks go from the mid-range when open, and it’s fair to question if he and Mobley can be a pairing for extended stretches in the playoffs.

Now, if Mobley can level up offensively, and he takes strides as a shooter and/or if his handle improves, that could alleviate the concerns with Allen.

In the mean time, time will tell on that front, and throughout the offseason, even with the Cavaliers seemingly adamant currently about Allen being a core player, the trade suggestions from various outlets will likely be prevalent. If Allen as a trade chip can possibly facilitate a deal for a quality starting wing on Cleveland’s timeline, the Cavs should probably consider it.