If you talk to some, it's been said that Allen is currently running the team's trade talks, and not O'Brien.
Anyway, I really think both places I've heard different things from are reliable. I'd hate to make a call on an issue like this right now, because things could change depending on the team's play. I don't think O'Brien will last beyond the middle of next year for sure, although we need him gone before this firesale!