Jarrett Allen Traded to Lakers in Blockbuster Deal Worth $20M in 2025–26, with $91M Extension Set to Begin in 2026–27
Jarrett Allen Traded to Lakers in Blockbuster Deal Worth $20M in 2025–26, with $91M Extension Set to Begin in 2026–27
In a bold and strategic move, the Los Angeles Lakers have officially acquired All-Star center Jarrett Allen from the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources confirmed on Saturday. The trade, one of the most significant of the 2025 NBA offseason, brings the 26-year-old big man to Los Angeles in a deal that includes his $20 million salary for the 2025–26 season, with a 3-year, $91 million extension kicking in during the 2026–27 campaign.
This move not only reshapes the Lakers’ frontcourt but signals a major commitment to building around their new core, expected to include LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and now Jarrett Allen.
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🔁 The Trade Details
The Lakers acquired Allen in exchange for a package that includes Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2027 first-round pick (top-10 protected), and cash considerations. The Cavaliers, in return, clear valuable cap space and begin retooling their roster with younger assets and long-term flexibility.
Allen is coming off a strong 2024–25 season, where he averaged 16.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting a league-leading 70.6% from the field.
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💸 Salary Cap & Contract Outlook
The Lakers are taking on Allen’s $20 million contract for the 2025–26 season, but the major talking point is the three-year, $91 million contract extension that he signed prior to the trade. That deal, which begins in 2026–27, cements Allen’s future in L.A. and makes him one of the highest-paid centers in the Western Conference.
General Manager Rob Pelinka said in a press conference, “We believe Jarrett is entering the prime of his career. His presence gives us a true anchor in the paint, and his work ethic fits perfectly with our championship mentality.”
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🔍 On-Court Impact for the Lakers
Allen is a mobile big with elite defensive instincts, excellent rebounding ability, and exceptional efficiency around the rim. He gives the Lakers the rim protector and vertical lob threat they’ve lacked since the peak days of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee during their 2020 title run.
Pairing Allen with Luka Dončić in pick-and-roll sets gives L.A. a lethal combination. His soft hands, verticality, and screen-setting abilities make him a perfect fit for Luka’s precision passing. Allen also brings much-needed shot-blocking to a team that ranked 20th in defensive efficiency last season.
However, some analysts caution that Allen struggles to defend smaller, stretchier lineups and may require the Lakers to play more drop coverage defensively—limiting switching schemes.
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🧩 Cavaliers’ Motivation
For Cleveland, moving Allen opens up the paint for Evan Mobley, who many believe thrives more at center than at power forward. It also provides cap flexibility ahead of Donovan Mitchell’s likely extension and a need to reshape their supporting cast around shooting and spacing.
Cavs GM Koby Altman commented, “We’re building around a vision that maximizes our young talent and fits the modern NBA. This move helps us on both fronts.”
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🔮 What’s Next?
With Allen locked in for four more seasons under his current and future contract, the Lakers appear committed to developing a defensive identity around him while giving Luka Dončić an elite partner inside. The move also signals that the Lakers are in win-now mode, looking to make the most of the final seasons of LeBron James’ career.
Fans are buzzing, and expectations are soaring. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #AllenToLakers began trending within minutes of the news breaking, with many calling the deal a “steal” for L.A. and a “necessary reset” for Cleveland.
The Lakers have now addressed their biggest offseason priority — and the league is officially on notice.
