Raptors could pursue restricted free agent Jarrett Allen

Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, a restricted free agent this summer, could be a target for the Raptors, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Toronto clearly needs of an upgrade at the five spot.

Charania hears that the Cavaliers and Allen are both interested in a long-term agreement, so the Raptors might have to overpay if they hope to pry Allen away from Cleveland. Charania notes that Toronto has tried to trade for Allen on prior occasions.

After being dealt to Cleveland courtesy of the Nets early in the 2020-21 season as part of the trade that sent All-Star James Harden to Brooklyn, Allen, 23, thrived while with the underperforming Cavaliers. He averaged 13.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 1.4 BPG in 51 games.

After letting veterans Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol depart for the two Los Angeles teams during the 2020 offseason, the Raptors pivoted by adding Aron Baynes and Alex Len to shore up the middle. Len was eventually waived. When Baynes proved overtaxed, the Raptors opted for small-ball lineups with forwards Pascal Siakam or Chris Boucher occasionally playing center.