Bleacher Report recently highlighted potential landing spots for several of the NBA’s top trade targets, and one name jumped off the page for Charlotte: Jarrett Allen. The fit is almost too perfect. The Hornets really need an upgrade at a position that has been vulnerable at times this season.
Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner have both exceeded expectations. Diabate even walked away with an under‑the‑radar award that speaks volumes about his growth. But as impressive as they’ve been, their ceilings are limited. Charlotte needs a true difference‑maker in the paint.
If the Cleveland Cavaliers flame out early in the postseason, a shake‑up becomes very possible. Cleveland is deep into second‑apron territory, and shedding salary may be their only path back to flexibility. That opens the door for Charlotte to pursue Allen if the Cavs decide to retool.
Jarrett Allen might be the missing piece in Charlotte’s rise
The Mobley‑Allen pairing has been debated for years, and the criticisms aren’t unwarranted. Whether Charlotte should chase a stretch big or a traditional one is a fair discussion, but Allen is the type of player who moves the needle immediately.
At 6’9” with a massive 7’6” wingspan, Allen brings a physical profile that doesn't grow on trees. He’s been the backbone of Cleveland’s defense since the moment he arrived—an elite rim protector who also has the mobility to survive on the perimeter.
That level of defensive versatility is exactly what the Hornets lacked in their Play‑In loss to Orlando, where they surrendered a brutal 64 points in the paint. Allen changes that equation instantly. This is why a boom-or-bust draft pick for a similarly profiled big isn't out of the question.
Offensively, he’s not spacing the floor, but he doesn’t need to. Allen is one of the league’s most efficient interior scorers, finishing fourth this year in field‑goal percentage at 63.3%. He would be an effective rim‑runner with soft touch and elite timing, and a devastating pick‑and‑roll partner for LaMelo Ball.
Will the Hornets make a run at Allen?
Allen is under contract for three more seasons at $91 million, lining up perfectly with the end of Kon Knueppel’s rookie deal. Charlotte has the assets, the flexibility, and the motivation to make a deal if Cleveland is willing to listen.
Ultimately, it comes down to whether the Cavaliers want to reshape their frontcourt. Compared to the cost of chasing another high‑end big, Allen is both attainable and affordable.
Hornets fans will have to wait until after the NBA Draft Lottery to see how the cookie crumbles. But after that ugly Play‑In loss to Orlando, it’s hard to imagine Jeff Peterson sitting still. Expect Charlotte to be active, and Allen may be the bold swing that makes the most sense.
Add us as a preferred source on Google