3 trades for Cavaliers to send Jarrett Allen to Charlotte

Trade No. 1: Allen triples in size

The Cleveland Cavaliers currently have 12 guaranteed contracts on their books, plus the non-guaranteed deal of Sam Merrill. That gives them the flexibility to turn a valuable player like Jarrett Allen into multiple pieces.

Let’s assume that the Cavs work out a sign-and-trade deal with P.J. Washington for a new contract averaging $17.5 million per season over four years, starting at $16 million in the first season. They could then add two smaller salaries to that contract number and bring back three players by sending out just Jarrett Allen. Here’s what it could look like:

Mark Williams had a solid if unspectacular, rookie season for Charlotte last year. He projects as a good defensive center and finisher and perhaps has some potential for skill development beyond that. Bryce McGowens is a throw-in combo guard to develop with the Cleveland Charge. The centerpieces here are Allen-for-Washington, but with Mark Williams, the Cavs also get a replacement for Allen to develop.

Although Williams has played one season, this is essentially “Washington and a first” for Jarrett Allen. That’s not terrible value, but it’s also not a move that makes them better for next season, depending on your view of Washington, as he’s the only surefire rotation player in this deal. Given the youth of Williams and McGowens, this is more of a future play, and it’s not one with a particularly high ceiling outcome.