Less than 10 minutes into this year’s free agency, Shams Charania of The Athletic announced that Jarrett Allen and the Cleveland Cavaliers agreed to a 5-year, $100 million contract:
“Restricted free agent Jarrett Allen has agreed to a five-year, $100 million deal to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell The Athletic, Stadium,” Charania tweeted.
Restricted free agent Jarrett Allen has agreed to a five-year, $100 million deal to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 2, 2021
The Cavaliers bringing Allen back was never in doubt. They made him a focal point on both ends of the floor since acquiring him last season and deemed him a cornerstone of their project going forward.
And, even though some speculated that he could be the odd man out with Evan Mobley now on the team, it seems like the Cavaliers believe that they can coexist on the court given Mobley’s range and mobility.
Allen has surged as one of the league’s finest shot blockers and is a strong presence on both ends of the glass.
Throughout the season, he posted averages of 12.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on 60.9% from the floor. He made 51 appearances (40 starts for the up-and-coming Cavaliers.
Allen is just 22 years old and, while never a highly-recruited player, he’s earned every single penny of that deal. Now, he’ll have to back it up on the court and will have plenty of chance to develop on a team that’s not likely to compete for a playoff spot in a while.
