A new blockbuster trade proposal has stirred up the NBA offseason conversation, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks forming a three-team deal that would send four players to the Lakers, including All-Star center Jarrett Allen, a top-tier big man from the East.
This ambitious trade idea, conceptualized by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell, aims to meet the immediate needs of all three franchises while navigating the financial complexities of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Though speculative, it paints a realistic scenario in which the Lakers bolster their interior presence, the Cavs shed salary to avoid second-apron restrictions, and the Hawks add quality depth.
Full Trade Details:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jarrett Allen, Terance Mann, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, 2027 Second-Round Pick (via ATL/CLE), 2029 Second-Round Pick (via ATL/CLE)
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Maxi Kleber, 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (via LAL), Unprotected 2031 First-Round Pick (via LAL), Three 2031 Second-Round Picks
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Strus
This Trade Could Help Out The Lakers Big Time
The Lakers’ postseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed a glaring hole in their frontcourt rotation, they lacked a consistent, athletic, rim-protecting center. Jarrett Allen would immediately solve that issue.
The 26-year-old is one of the NBA’s premier shot-blockers and rebounders, and his ability to anchor the paint defensively would fit perfectly alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. He’s also an efficient rim-runner, ideal for pick-and-roll actions with Luka.
Adding Isaac Okoro and Terance Mann gives the Lakers defensive versatility on the wing, while Georges Niang provides valuable floor spacing on an expiring deal.
Essentially, LA would be upgrading multiple parts of their rotation without losing any of their core players, though they’d be giving up key future draft assets.
The Cavaliers Could Be Willing To Blow It Up
Cleveland has financial decisions looming. With Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley expected to make over $80 million more next season combined, the Cavaliers are facing second-apron penalties that would cripple their trade flexibility.
By trading Jarrett Allen, they can move Mobley to center, a position many believe maximizes his potential, and start fresh with a more financially manageable rotation.
The package of Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and picks isn’t equal talent-wise to Allen and Okoro, but the financial relief and future flexibility may be worth it. The unprotected 2031 first-rounder from the Lakers could hold serious long-term value if the team’s stars retire or decline by then.
The Hawks Get Depth
Atlanta adds Jarred Vanderbilt, a tenacious perimeter and interior defender, and Max Strus, a proven shooter with postseason experience. These two would upgrade the Hawks’ bench and provide needed defensive grit and spacing around Trae Young.
Final Thoughts
This trade is far from guaranteed, but it checks several boxes. The Lakers address their biggest roster hole without parting with Doncic or LeBron. The Cavaliers clear significant salary, pivot to Mobley at the five, and gain multiple assets. The Hawks enhance their rotation without losing core pieces.
With three teams under pressure to reshape their futures, this deal could be the kind of creative blockbuster that defines the 2025 offseason.
