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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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NBA Free Agency
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2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Cleveland Cavaliers

Brought Back: Jarrett Allen (5-yr, $100 million)

The Cleveland Cavaliers came into free agency knowing they needed to make some decisions regarding the center position. Both true centers on the roster were free agents in Jarrett Allen and Isaiah Hartenstein, while their first-round draft pick, Evan Mobley, projects as a long-term center even if he will start his career at the 4.

The Cavaliers decided to invest in a young center for the long-term despite the presence of Mobley. Rather than allow Allen to test free agency and talk to a team such as the Charlotte Hornets or Toronto Raptors, the Cavaliers extended a massive offer to the tune of $20 million per season for the next five years.

That number is too high for a player who isn’t a top 10 center in the league, which Allen is not. He is a capable rim protector and solid rim-runner who doesn’t bring enough on offense to truly be a difference-maker. Allen’s contract is an overpay, but it looks worse when you consider Mobley’s best long-term fit. Allen is young and can grow with the team’s young core, but paying through the nose for a center is not the way to build a modern contender.

The Cavs are operating as an over-the-cap team but still have access to their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception and will use at least part of it to bring in some help on the wing. That might help this grade, but for now, it’s a tough one.

Grade: C-

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