Is Toronto Raptors free agency target Jarrett Allen worth $100 million?

The annual Toronto Raptors free agency blitz has the potential to be game-changing this offseason, as they could either use their cap space to get this roster some depth or go big-game hunting and add one stud to the lineup. As unrealistic as it may sound, Toronto must at least do their homework on Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen.

Allen looked like a player who could’ve been a key contributor for the Brooklyn Nets this season, but after all of the dust finally settled after the James Harden trade, he ended up as the starting center in Cleveland. Allen averaged 12.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, all slightly better than his final full season in Brooklyn.

Allen is a restricted free agent, but the expectation is that he will sign up to become a long-term piece in northeast Ohio. Cleveland.com is reporting that the Cavs are willing to give Allen an extension that could approach nine figures despite his upcoming free agency.

While his RFA status and Toronto’s desire to potentially find a Kyle Lowry replacement could complicate things, the Raptors will have around $20 million in cap space. Is he worth chasing, or at least exploring, at that price?

Toronto Raptors free agency: Could they make a run at Jarrett Allen?

On paper, Allen would be ideal, as the Raptors would get one of the best rebounders in the game, a quality athlete for his size, and an elite shot-blocker all rolled up into one package. While he would instantly be an impact starter, he could be a major financial obstacle for a team that is looking to rebuild.

Allen is a bit of a pie in the sky scenario for the Raptors, but if Toronto thinks they are just one piece away from becoming a force in the East, they should at least look into testing Cleveland’s desire to keep Allen. Nine figures is a tough number to get past, however, and whatever impact Allen would have could be undercut by the lack of depth that could keep festering alongside him.

Unfortunately, the Raptors need help on the bench and at point guard, and signing Allen at that price could make it almost impossible to get quality reinforcements at those positions. Allen will have a very long, very successful career, but Toronto might not be the right spot for him at that price right now.

The Raptors could either resign Khem Birch for a more economical number or look at someone like Richaun Holmes if they want to still pay a premium price for a center without shopping at Neiman Marcus this offseason. Allen appears to be too darn pricy, and that could make it tough for one of the best free agents on the market to end up in Toronto.