Brooklyn Nets: Who will be traded for a third star, LeVert or Allen?

Jarrett Allen?

The 21-year-old center was Brooklyn’s first draft selection in the first round, of their own designation, in years; thanks to the infamous Billy King trade with the Boston Celtics.

So naturally, there’s a certain affection among fans for Allen. But recently, he’s almost become expendable behind the presence of DeAndre Jordan. Part of the rumored reason behind the firing of head coach Kenny Atkinson was his having handed the starting job to Allen.

Now with Atkinson gone, how safe is Allen’s future in Brooklyn?

He’s played well this season, for what it’s worth. Especially given the drama and turmoil that inevitably arises when playing for the same club that’s home to stars like Irving and Durant.

Allen posted 10.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 64 appearances for Brooklyn. His length and age make him more of a shot block threat than the aging Jordan, but that’s also a trait that may be deemed expendable when prominent defender Durant makes his return.

Jordan’s got the experience value over Allen, undoubtedly. But when experience crosses with age, where do you draw the line in terms of nostalgia for what was?

Then again, Allen is making just $3.9 million next year. While that warrants some degree of extension talk, it also makes him an asset in terms of the bargain price tag for what he provides. But where he’s lacking most in comparison to Jordan is the preference of their two stars.

Jordan is a longtime friend of Durant’s, and will no doubt cause turmoil in the locker room if dropped down the totem pole below Allen. Oh yeah, and he’s making $10 million a year. That’s not a guy you let watch from the sideline under any circumstance.