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Could the Cavs trade Jarrett Allen before the playoffs? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 6:05 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Could the Cavaliers Trade Jarrett Allen Before the Playoffs?
Wine and Gold Talk Podcast Breaks Down the Possibilities

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in the trade‑rumor mill all season, and now the speculation has shifted to one of the team’s biggest questions: Will the Cavaliers move Jarrett Allen before the playoffs begin? The answer is far from obvious. In a recent episode of the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, the question was dissected from every angle – from Allen’s contract and cap room to the trade market’s willingness to take on a big‑body center and the team’s playoff ambitions.

1. The “Who, Why, and How” of a Potential Allen Trade

Who might take Allen?
The podcast highlighted a handful of teams that could be potential destinations. The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers are all on the radar. Each of those franchises has expressed a desire for a defensive anchor, and all three possess the cap space needed to match Allen’s $33 million salary. The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets were mentioned as “less likely but still possible” options because they have high ceilings on their own centers and could benefit from a seasoned veteran who can mentor younger players.

Why would Cleveland consider sending Allen?
Cleveland’s front office has a reputation for being patient. But there are several compelling reasons to trade Allen now:

1. Contract and cap pressure – Allen’s contract is one of the biggest on the roster, and moving him could open up room for a future big‑man acquisition or allow the Cavaliers to retain a younger, more cost‑effective center.
2. Playoff upside – Some analysts argue that a “big‑body” trade could give the Cavaliers a different defensive shape that could help them in a tough Eastern Conference playoff race.
3. Draft and asset accumulation – The Cavs have a knack for getting tangible returns in trade deals that include draft picks and expiring contracts.

How would the trade look?
On the table, the Cavs could trade Allen for a package that might include a young center, a forward/forward combo, and a mix of first‑round and second‑round draft picks. The conversation on the podcast included an example of a three‑team trade: Cleveland sending Allen to Denver in exchange for a 2027 first‑round pick and a future forward, with the Bucks adding a veteran forward to balance the deal. The exact structure is still murky, but the general idea is to keep the Cavs competitive while also giving them flexibility for the next season.

2. Allen’s Performance and Injury History

Jarrett Allen has been a defensive cornerstone for the Cavaliers, averaging 10.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in his last season. He has also posted a career‑high 6.6 blocks per game this season. However, his injury history is a factor that keeps front‑office leaders on edge. The Cleveland.com article referenced on the podcast, titled “Cavs’ Allen Out for Next Game Due to Knee Issue,” notes that he has missed multiple games in the past two seasons because of a chronic knee problem. The possibility of an ACL or meniscus injury in the playoffs could make the Cavs more inclined to trade a player who may miss games.

3. The Cavs’ Current Roster and Playoff Picture

Cleveland finished the season with a 47‑35 record, securing the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their roster is built around the core of Cedi Osman, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland, with the addition of Jaden Ivey and a young forward, Bismack Biyombo. The discussion in the podcast brought up that Cleveland has a solid defensive identity, but the lack of a high‑floor shooting guard and a veteran rim‑protector could be the Achilles heel against teams like the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Because the Cavaliers are on a trajectory of improving their defensive metrics, moving Allen could actually help them adopt a different defensive scheme that focuses on a perimeter‑heavy approach. That would be beneficial in the playoffs, where match‑ups against small‑ball lineups are common.

4. The Trade Market Landscape

The trade market right now is highly saturated. The Cleveland.com “Trade Rumors Earlier This Season” article highlights that the Cavs are the only team still looking to move a player of Allen’s caliber. The Wine and Gold Talk Podcast pointed out that other NBA teams are also seeking to address specific roster holes, but most are looking at smaller, less expensive contracts.

The discussion also referenced a Cleveland.com article titled “Cavs Might Keep Allen, But What About the Future?” which points out that the Cavs are likely to hold onto Allen if they receive a meaningful trade package that aligns with the team’s long‑term goals. This sentiment is echoed by many analysts who believe that Cleveland could benefit from a “win‑now” trade that would also bring future assets.

5. What This Means for Cleveland’s Future

The trade is not only about the immediate season but also about shaping the Cavs’ roster over the next few years. The Wine and Gold Talk Podcast concluded that:

• If Cleveland trades Allen and receives a young center and a couple of draft picks, the franchise will be able to build around a defensive stalwart while also having the flexibility to keep or acquire a high‑fly guard to complement Darius Garland.
• If the Cavs keep Allen, they will remain a solid defensive unit but may have to continue waiting for a better contract or additional free‑agent talent that could shift the balance in their favor.

The final takeaway was that the Cavs are still debating whether to trade Allen before the playoffs or hold out for a bigger, more valuable package later in the offseason. The outcome will likely depend on how the trade market unfolds and the Cavaliers’ willingness to take a risk on a younger roster.

6. Bottom Line

Jarrett Allen’s future with the Cavaliers is still uncertain. The Wine and Gold Talk Podcast offered a detailed look at all the angles: the potential trade partners, the financial implications, the health concerns, and the impact on Cleveland’s playoff aspirations. Cleveland.com’s linked articles provide additional context about the team’s overall strategy, Allen’s injury history, and how the Cavs are positioning themselves in the trade market.

In short, the Cavaliers could move Jarrett Allen before the playoffs, but the decision hinges on the trade package they can secure and the strategic direction the front office wants to pursue. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the trade deadline approaches, hoping to see whether Cleveland chooses to stay the course with a defensive anchor or to pivot to a new roster construction that could bring a fresh wave of hope to the franchise.