After watching the East get stronger this summer, the Atlanta Hawks feel a growing sense of urgency to make a move to keep up with their evolving opponents. With Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu, they already have a solid core in place, but they still lack the right size to challenge the NBA’s elite front courts.
That’s why, according to the latest intel from insider Marc Stein, the Hawks are pursuing some upgrades that could change their position in the East. Specifically, they have set their sights on Jarrett Allen, who is widely considered to be one of the best all-around big men in the game. The only problem for the Hawks is that Allen is not currently available, meaning they would need a massive offer just to start negotiations.
“Sources say that the Hawks have indeed made their interest in Jarrett Allen known to Cleveland for some time, but I’m told that Cleveland still has not entertained moving its starting center,” wrote Stein.
In the aftermath of the Trae Young trade, Atlanta is in a period of transition. This new era, defined by youth and versatility, looks to leave the old habits behind and build something new behind the leadership of head coach Quin Snyder. But with no answer for centers like Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Bam Adebayo, the Hawks are vulnerable in the frontcourt, and Allen could be the solution, even though he wouldn’t fix everything.
At just 6’9”, Allen is undersized for his position, but he makes up for it with his strength, mobility, and natural instincts. In 56 games last season, he averaged 15.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 63.8% shooting from the field. Arguably his best attribute is his durability, with 215 games played over the past three years. It’s for those reasons that he’d make an excellent fit in Atlanta, and for those same reasons that the Cavaliers are not inclined to let him go, especially after losing LeBron.
As it stands, Allen is under contract until the summer of 2029, when he’ll be 31. That means the Cavaliers have all the leverage right now, and it would take a massive package to change their mind. For starters, the Hawks would likely have to offer something that includes Onyeka Okongwu, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and multiple draft picks, but even that may not be enough.
It’s unclear who in Atlanta is untouchable, but there are few who they wouldn’t consider in a package for Allen. With few alternatives right now, he’s the best path to prosperity next season, but getting him could disrupt all the chemistry they built last season. It’s a risky choice all things considered, but teams that are too complacent are usually the ones that finish last.
For the Hawks, adding Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and drafting Kingston Flemings is all well and good, but will they really move the needle? If they stop there, the answer is no, but Jarrett Allen has already proven to be reliable, and his skills as a two-way big man could be enough to push them over the top.
