The Golden State Warriors are poised to shake up the NBA landscape once again. After a relatively quiet offseason, the Dubs are reportedly eyeing a blockbuster move to solidify their championship aspirations, with Cleveland Cavaliers’ star center Jarrett Allen emerging as the prime target. With a $90.72 million contract and All-Star credentials, Allen could be the missing piece to propel Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green back to the pinnacle of the NBA. Is this the dawn of a Warriors dynasty reboot?
The Warriors’ need for a dominant big man became glaringly apparent after Kevon Looney’s departure to the New Orleans Pelicans. With only Trayce Jackson-Davis and the 6’6″ Draymond Green as primary center options, Golden State’s frontcourt lacks the size and rim protection needed to compete with the NBA’s elite. Enter Jarrett Allen, the 6’9″ defensive anchor whose skill set aligns perfectly with Steve Kerr’s high-octane system.
Jarrett Allen received his award for having the highest FG% (.706) in the NBA in the 2024-25 regular season, in which he played ALL 82 GAMES, today at practice.
This is also the highest FG% held by any Cavs player in a single season in franchise history! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/8qfm1kpeuF
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 22, 2025
PFSN’s Brandon Austin didn’t mince words when discussing the potential impact of Allen joining the Warriors: “Adding Allen could be a game-changer, addressing Golden State’s frontcourt woes while fueling their championship dreams. His ability to protect the rim allows Green to slide back to power forward, unleashing his defensive versatility and playmaking genius.”
Allen’s elite rebounding, screen-setting, and paint scoring would seamlessly complement the Warriors’ core. His rim-running and lob-catching ability would create endless opportunities for Curry’s off-ball wizardry and Butler’s slashing drives. Moreover, Allen’s screens could unlock cleaner looks for Curry’s deadly three-point shooting while amplifying Butler’s mid-range mastery.
At 27, Allen is in the prime of his career, blending durability, efficiency, and two-way dominance. Last season, he played all 82 games, leading the NBA with a jaw-dropping 70.6% field goal percentage. His stat line—13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game—underscores his reliability as a double-double machine. In 2023-24, he posted 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, proving he’s no one-dimensional big.
Defensively, Allen’s presence would address Golden State’s glaring weaknesses. The Warriors ranked a pedestrian 17th in blocks (4.8 per game) last season, and their postseason rebounding (40.3 per game) was a mediocre 12th among playoff teams. Allen’s ability to erase shots at the rim and secure boards would give Golden State the interior backbone they’ve lacked since their last title run.
Jarrett Allen’s perimeter defense (23/24 highlights): https://t.co/2zIN56LPdt pic.twitter.com/22rGqsTmnR
— rNBAstuff (@rNBAstuff) November 19, 2024
“Green’s a defensive savant, but at 35, asking him to wrestle with the league’s behemoth centers night after night is a tall order,” Austin noted. “Allen’s arrival would let Draymond roam as a power forward, where his IQ and switchability shine brightest.”
The Cavaliers’ financial situation might just be the Warriors’ golden opportunity. With Cleveland locking up Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland to massive deals, Allen’s $28 million salary for 2025-26 (and beyond through 2028-29) could force the Cavs to consider a trade to ease their cap burden. Despite their 64-win season and Eastern Conference dominance, Cleveland’s front office faces tough choices, and Allen could be the odd man out.
For Golden State, acquiring Allen would likely require sacrificing young talent like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, or restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. While losing these prospects would sting, the Warriors’ championship window with Curry (37) and Green (35) is narrowing. A proven star like Allen, with playoff experience and a track record of durability, could be worth the gamble.
The Warriors shocked the league when they landed Jimmy Butler in February, signaling their intent to go all-in for another ring. Now, with Allen in their sights, Golden State is doubling down on their championship-or-bust mentality. Pairing Allen’s defensive prowess and interior scoring with Curry’s shooting, Butler’s clutch play, and Green’s playmaking could create a juggernaut capable of dominating the loaded Western Conference.
“Allen’s lob threat and screen-setting would unlock new dimensions in Golden State’s offense,” Austin wrote. “His fit with Curry and Butler is almost too perfect, and his defensive anchor role could make the Warriors a nightmare matchup in the playoffs.”
The West is a gauntlet, with teams like the Nuggets, Thunder, and Mavericks standing in the way. But with Allen anchoring the paint, the Warriors could reclaim their status as title favorites, blending their veteran savvy with a new wave of star power. The trade rumors are heating up, and if Golden State pulls this off, the NBA world might witness the rebirth of a dynasty.