In a stunning turn of events, the Golden State Warriors are shaking up the NBA landscape with a bold trade to secure their long-sought-after true center. After their 2025 playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach Steve Kerr made it crystal clear that the team’s top priority was to bolster the frontcourt, allowing Draymond Green to slide back to his natural power forward role. While rumors swirled around veteran big man Al Horford as a potential target, the Warriors have pivoted to a younger, more dynamic solution: former All-Star Jarrett Allen.
According to a proposed trade outlined by Fadeaway World, the Warriors are set to acquire the 27-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers center in a blockbuster deal that could redefine their roster for the post-Splash Brothers era. The trade breakdown is as follows:
Warriors receive: Jarrett Allen
Cavaliers receive: Moses Moody, Gui Santos, 2028 first-round pick
A Game-Changing Acquisition for Golden State
The addition of Jarrett Allen, who carries a $91 million contract through the 2025-26 season, signals a seismic shift in the Warriors’ roster construction. At 27, Allen is in the prime of his career and has shown consistent improvement since entering the league. Last season, the Texas alum averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game in his fifth year with the Cavaliers, cementing his reputation as a reliable two-way big man. His ability to protect the rim, anchor the defense, and finish efficiently around the basket makes him an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
“It’s a deal that reflects the Warriors’ shifting priorities,” Fadeaway World noted. “Horford, at 39, would’ve been a short-term veteran solution, likely a stopgap for a year or two. 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.”
Allen’s presence would allow Green to return to his natural role as a versatile power forward, where his playmaking and elite weakside defense can shine. During the Warriors’ playoff loss to the Timberwolves, Green was forced to play center, a role that exposed his limitations against bigger, more physical opponents. Despite his tenacity, Green struggled to contain Minnesota’s relentless paint attacks, highlighting the need for a true rim protector.
“As far as what Steve said, God bless his heart,” Green said in response to Kerr’s comments about needing a new center, per NBC Sports Bay Area. “Playing the 5, it’s hard. I’m always down to take on any challenge, but battling guys who outweigh me by 60 to 80 pounds and are four, five, or seven inches taller every night—it does take a toll.”
With Allen in the fold, the Warriors gain a long-term solution who can anchor their defense, crash the boards, and thrive in pick-and-roll sets with Curry. His youth and upside could elevate Golden State to new heights, potentially unlocking a new level of performance in a lineup featuring Curry’s sharpshooting, Butler’s two-way tenacity, and Green’s defensive wizardry.
Why Cleveland Makes the Move
For the Cavaliers, the trade offers much-needed financial flexibility as they navigate the NBA’s punitive second apron under the new CBA. With a roster boasting max contracts for Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Allen, Cleveland faces immense payroll pressure heading into the 2026-27 season. Shedding Allen’s contract allows the Cavaliers to ease their cap burden while opening up the center position for rising star Evan Mobley, a versatile big man who could thrive as Cleveland’s full-time five.
In return, the Cavaliers receive promising young wing Moses Moody, rookie Gui Santos, and a valuable 2028 first-round pick. Moody, a former lottery pick, brings defensive versatility and untapped offensive potential, while Santos adds depth and youth. The 2028 pick provides Cleveland with future draft capital to either build around their core or pursue additional trades.
A New Era for the Warriors
The Warriors’ pursuit of a true center has been a long time coming, and this trade for Jarrett Allen could mark a turning point for the franchise. While Al Horford, who was reportedly considering retirement as of early July per ESPN’s Marc Spears, offered a short-term fix, Allen represents a cornerstone for the future. His defensive prowess and rebounding tenacity address the Warriors’ glaring weaknesses exposed in the playoffs, particularly against paint-dominant teams like Minnesota.
If this trade comes to fruition, it could signal the beginning of a new chapter for Golden State—one that blends the championship pedigree of Curry and Green with the youthful upside of Allen. As the Warriors aim to reclaim their spot atop the Western Conference, this blockbuster move could be the catalyst for a triumphant return to contention.