CLEVELAND - The Cavaliers extended a qualifying offer Friday to keep Jarrett Allen at center, making him a banned free agent.
The team had until August 1 to propose to Allen, the 23-year-old who had been acquired in a trade from Brooklyn the previous season and seen as one of Cleveland's main players.
The Cavs can now match any offer made to Allen by other teams, whose size and physical prowess at both ends of the floor make him enticing.
General Manager Kobe Altman has expressed hope of keeping Allen at Cleveland for a long time.
Allen, who played college ball in Texas, came to the Cavs in January as part of a blockbuster trade that sent star James Harden to the Nets.
Allen's arrival pushed veteran Andre Drummond to the bench and eventually led the team to purchase a two-time All-Star center contract.
Allen averaged 13.2 points and 9.9 rebounds - 40 starts in 51 games for Cleveland.