The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant investment in their future by securing a three-year, $91 million contract extension with center Jarrett Allen. This extension, coupled with the two years and $40 million remaining on his current contract, promises Allen a total of $131 million over the next five years.
Allen's performance on the court has certainly justified this lucrative deal. Despite suffering an injury during the first-round matchup against the Orlando Magic last season, the 26-year-old has been a cornerstone for the Cavaliers. Unfortunately, the injury sidelined him for the end of the series against the Magic and the entire next round against the Boston Celtics, but his impact when healthy is undeniable.
Financially, Allen's extension is a calculated move by the Cavaliers. For the 2024-25 season, his salary will account for just under 13% of the team's salary cap, a figure that is expected to rise to 15.83% by the end of the extension. This demonstrates the team's confidence in Allen's abilities and their willingness to commit a substantial portion of their cap space to retain his services.
Allen's contract extension is part of a broader strategy by the Cavaliers to build a sustainable and competitive team. In addition to securing Allen, the team has also agreed to a three-year extension with star player Donovan Mitchell, and rookie standout Evan Mobley has signed an impressive extension potentially worth $269 million over five seasons. These strategic moves reflect the organization's commitment to maintaining a strong and cohesive core.
Another significant development for the Cavaliers this season is the hiring of Kenny Atkinson as the head coach. Atkinson brings a wealth of experience to the role and has a history with Allen, having previously coached him during their time with the Brooklyn Nets. This reunion could be pivotal for Allen's continued development and the team's overall performance.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming season, these moves signify their dedication to creating a stable and talented roster. The combination of extending key players and bringing in a seasoned head coach underscores their ambition to remain competitive in the league. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these investments play out on the court and whether they can drive the Cavaliers to new heights.