The Golden State Warriors are making waves in the NBA offseason, addressing their glaring need for a true center with a blockbuster trade proposal to acquire former All-Star Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers. After their 2025 playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the urgency of adding a legitimate big man to allow Draymond Green to shift back to his natural power forward role. This proposed trade could be the game-changer the Warriors need to reassert themselves as championship contenders.
The Trade Breakdown
In the deal outlined by Fadeaway World, the Warriors would acquire:
Jarrett Allen, a 27-year-old center known for his elite rim protection and rebounding prowess.
In exchange, the Cleveland Cavaliers would receive:
Moses Moody, a young wing with untapped potential.
Gui Santos, a promising prospect.
2028 first-round pick, adding future flexibility for Cleveland.
This trade aligns with the Warriors’ shift toward building a roster with long-term potential while addressing immediate needs in the paint. Allen, who averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in his fifth season with the Cavaliers, brings youth, athleticism, and defensive tenacity to Golden State.
Why Jarrett Allen Fits the Warriors
At 27, Allen is entering his prime and has shown consistent improvement throughout his eight-year NBA career. With career averages of 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds, the Texas alum is a double-double machine who excels at anchoring the paint. His ability to protect the rim and control the glass would alleviate the burden on Draymond Green, who struggled against bigger opponents in the 2025 playoffs.
Playing alongside Stephen Curry’s gravity-defying shooting, Jimmy Butler’s veteran leadership, and Green’s defensive versatility, Allen could elevate his game to new heights. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Curry could unlock a new dimension for the Warriors’ offense, while his interior presence would bolster their defense against paint-dominant teams.
“It’s a deal that reflects the Warriors’ shifting priorities,” Fadeaway World noted. “Allen, at 27, offers longevity and interior defense, but at the cost of future cap space. If Golden State believes Allen can be a core piece in their post-Splash Brothers era, this trade may be the smarter play.”
Draymond Green’s Relief
The Warriors’ playoff loss to Minnesota exposed the limitations of playing Green at center. At 6’6” and 230 pounds, Green is an exceptional defender but was overmatched against taller, heavier opponents who attacked the rim relentlessly. Kerr’s post-playoff comments underscored the need for a true center to preserve Green’s effectiveness and longevity.
“As far as what Steve said, God bless his heart,” Green said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “Playing the 5, it’s hard. I’m always down to do it, as you know, like any challenge you throw my way, I’ll take on the challenge, but it’s hard battling every night guys who outweigh me by 60 to 80 pounds, and they’re four inches or five inches, seven inches taller than me. It does take a toll.”
Allen’s arrival would allow Green to return to power forward, where his playmaking, switchability, and weakside defense shine. This shift could restore Golden State’s defensive identity, which faltered in the playoffs.
Why Cleveland Says Yes
For the Cavaliers, the trade offers financial relief and roster flexibility. With the NBA’s highest payroll entering the 2026-27 season, Cleveland faces pressure to navigate the punitive second apron of the new CBA. Trading Allen, who is on a $91 million contract, allows the Cavaliers to shed salary while acquiring young talent in Moody and Santos, plus a valuable 2028 first-round pick.
The move also enables Cleveland to slide Evan Mobley to the center position, where his versatility and defensive upside can shine. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland commanding significant contracts, the Cavaliers need cost-controlled assets to maintain competitiveness without breaking the bank.
“The Cavaliers are currently facing significant financial pressure,” Fadeaway World reported. “With Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen all on major deals (or set to be), Cleveland is tiptoeing around the punitive second apron introduced in the latest CBA.”
A Pivot from Horford
The Warriors had initially been linked to veteran center Al Horford, but ESPN’s Marc Spears reported that Horford was considering retirement as of early July 2025. At 39, Horford would have been a short-term solution, likely serving as a stopgap for one or two seasons. Allen, however, represents a long-term investment. His youth and skill set align with the Warriors’ vision of transitioning into a new era while remaining competitive in the present.
Impact on the NBA Landscape
Allen’s potential arrival in Golden State could send shockwaves through the NBA. His 9.7 rebounds per game and rim-protecting presence would address a critical weakness exposed in the Warriors’ playoff run. By allowing Green to play his natural position, the Warriors can maximize their defensive flexibility and offensive creativity. For a team looking to extend its championship window, this trade signals a bold commitment to blending youth with their established core.
As the Warriors prepare for the 2025-26 season, acquiring Jarrett Allen could be the power move that reshapes their roster and reestablishes them as a force in the Western Conference. While the cost of the trade—losing Moody, Santos, and a future first-round pick—is significant, the addition of a proven All-Star center could be the key to unlocking Golden State’s next chapter.