Grade the trade: Lakers trade for Jarrett Allen in midseason trade proposal

How the Lakers trade for Jarrett Allen

Currently, the Lakers have the majority of their higher contracts are unavailable for trade for the early months due to NBA restrictions for recently signed players.

After the turn of the calendar year, most players will be an option for a deal. One player, though, would pique Cleveland’s interest more than any other. As aforementioned, the Cavaliers’ frontcourt has one major issue: floor spacing.

In an Allen trade, the Cavaliers are sure to look for a post player who can stretch the offense and give Mobley more space to facilitate.

The Lakers have heavily prioritized floor spacing recently as well, but landing Allen would cost them one of their better shooters.

Here’s how the Lakers could get Allen to be Davis’ long-term frontcourt partner.

It is far from a blockbuster deal, but that’s exactly what the Lakers need. They still have both Davis and LeBron James, meaning a superstar trade would gut them of nearly all depth and future assets. Jarrett Allen fits the Los Angeles timeline as an inexpensive option that would let the Lakers add another superstar next to Davis in the coming years after LeBron’s departure.

Hachimura was one of Los Angeles’ best players during their recent Playoff run, so losing him is a painful deal to make. But, with this $15.7 million salary next year, he is the only big man the Lakers can offer to Cleveland without adding on additional salary such as Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino.

Additionally, if the Lakers acquire another center, they would soak up a heavy portion of the minutes already allocated to Hachimura. His role would diminish, leaving him possibly unhappy soon after.