The Washington Wizards are among a handful of teams that are expected to be interested in Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen this summer. Allen is set to receive a huge pay day as a restricted free agent, but the Wizards along with Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs will have some level interest in him, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
The Cavaliers will have the right to match any offer Allen receives. Allen is open to all situations this summer.
The Wizards are looking to address a glaring hole in the middle. Thomas Bryant, who suffered a torn ACL in January, is expected to return in the 2021-22 season. However, considering Bryant will be in a contract year next season, Washington may not want to completely bank on Bryant moving forward.
The team declined a rookie-scale option on Moe Wagner for next season. Robin Lopez will also be a free agent at the end of this season. The 22-year old Allen would provide the Wizards with an athletic big who can be active in the pick-and-roll. Additionally, the 7-footer can protect the rim.
Jarrett Allen is averaging a career-high 13.0 points along with 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 41 games this season. He leads the NBA with 64.6% shooting from the field. He was traded from the Nets to Cavaliers in January as part of a three-team trade.
Allen previously turned down a four-year, $48 million extension from the Nets prior to being traded. He’s looking for roughly $100 million on his new deal.
