Trading Rudy Gobert has its pros and cons. The bottom line, though, is that the Minnesota Timberwolves must find a dependable starting center if they trade Gobert. With all due respect, Joan Beringer isn't ready for this level of responsibility yet.
After the Cleveland Cavaliers got swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals (which included four double-digit losses), major changes could be on the way. This could open up the possibility for a Jarrett Allen trade, which the Timberwolves should aggressively pursue.Â
Now, we will have to wait for more definitive reporting about the Cavs to validate this possibility. Regardless, it would surprise nobody if they looked to shake up their core, with Allen arguably being their most expendable piece on paper.
Jarrett Allen is an ideal Rudy Gobert Gobert replacement
Allen could anchor the Wolves' defense (not quite at a Gobert level, but he's a darn good defender) while offering more offensive upside with a similar skill set. He is an elite rim protector who also offers impressive mobility. According to BBall Index, Allen ranks in the 99th percentile for rim protection, and per NBA.com, opposing players shot just 46.2 against Allen in isolation.
The Wolves have proven that their offense thrives with a rim-running center, and Allen is one of the better rim-runners in the league. His lob catching and general scoring abilities would be an upgrade over what Gobert provides.
Getting some extra offensive juice from the center position could help the Wolves reach another level. Plus, Gobert will turn 33 this summer, while Allen is 28, making him a much better fit for Anthony Edwards' timeline.
Frankly, you'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better replacement for Gobert than Allen.
The Wolves would (likely) need a three-team deal to land Allen
In terms of rooting this trade in reality, it wouldn't be a Gobert for Allen swap, nor would it be a Randle for Allen swap. The most likely scenario is that the Wolves would trade Gobert to a third team, with a pick-centric package going to the Cavs.
Yes, I'll admit it might seem questionable for the Cavs to accept a pick-based package in the midst of a title pursuit. However, after being a second tax apron team for two straight years, they need to cut costs. The penalties for repeat offenders in the second apron become more severe, furthering the need for the Cavs to save money.
Without a doubt, Allen's $28 million contract feels like a movable one.
For a Cavs team that doesn't own its first-round pick until 2030, getting some more draft capital could be helpful. Alternatively, the Cavs could use some of this draft capital, along with one of their other key players, to pursue a star trade in a cap-neutral move.
Regardless, the Cavs could stand to benefit from trading Allen for picks and a three-team deal, which could ultimately help the Wolves land Allen.
There are a lot of moving parts in a possible Allen-Wolves trade; maybe nothing happens, but Tim Connelly should try everything in his power to pull off a blockbuster move. If the Wolves can land Allen in exchange for Gobert and flip Randle for a quality second scorer, Minnesota could be ready to make a championship leap.
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