A technique includes receiving a command in a target port, where the command is provided by an initiator and is associated with a write operation. The technique includes, in response to the command, using the target to process a data transfer for the initiator associated with the write operation. The processing includes, based on a characteristic of the command, selectively using memory for the transfer pre-allocated by a storage array controller prior to receipt of the command by the target port or requesting an allocation of memory for the transfer from the storage array controller.