Quick Takes/Offseason Open Thread (or, Almost There)

Good afternoon/evening CtB!

We’re now in the depths of the NBA offseason with about another six weeks before guys report to training camp. Cavs slop continues to trickle in, here’s the latest…

Tower City secured through the rest of the decade

Koby Altman has secured the services of Jarrett Allen for the rest of his years in his 20s, with a three year, $90 million extension that expires at the 2029-30 season. The extension gives Allen top 12-15 NBA center money for the foreseeable future, which enhances Allen’s trade value as a player who’s still relatively young, cost controlled, and shown some flashes of top five play over the course of his career.

There was zero downside for the Cavs doing this deal, and at least two upsides. First, it shows some loyalty and appreciation for Jarrett Allen’s work. He’s paid nearly nine figures and still re-enters free agency for his age 31 season, so he could still see another big payday before his playing days are over. For the Cavs, the contract keeps Allen as an attractive trade chip as well as a hedge against the first round pick still owed to the Utah Jazz in 2029. Whether you’re a Cavs fan who loves Allen or a Cavs fan that wants to see Center Mobley, this deal should be seen as a win with no downsides.

Cavs Sign South Sudan Olympian JT Thor

One of the players who used the Paris Olympics as a showcase for a NBA contract was JT Thor of South Sudan, who signed a two way deal with the Cavs for the upcoming season. After an initially interesting rookie year for the Charlotte Hornets in 2021-22, Thor got buried in the depth chart and eventually let go. For South Sudan, Thor was able to flash a versatile skillset against Team USA enough so that it seemed inevitable that a team would try to sign him. The Cavs are able to offer ample opportunity at the backup power forward position given Dean Wade’s troubles staying healthy and Georges Niang’s inability to stay on the floor against good teams. For Thor, it’s the first time in his NBA career he will play for a competent franchise surrounded by good players. If he can figure out how to be a switchy, stretch four, there’s a place for him on this team.

From the Commentariat

There was some Commentariat conversation surrounding Craig Porter Jr. and rookie Darius Brown from the Cavs’ Summer League squad. To answer the two questions regarding their contract statuses, Brown signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cavs, so his deal will only count if he’s signed to the roster after camp. CPJ is signed for at least two more seasons, with guaranteed money this season. After the 2025-26 season, there’s a club option on his contract before he hits free agency. IMHO CPJ’s deal isn’t prohibitive to opening up a roster spot if they so chose. Will there be a camp battle for the third string PG position? What about the ghost of Ty Jerome?? Stay tuned…

GOT EM!

Summers almost over TT just FYI https://t.co/L6bk3Vk7Cq

— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 16, 2024