Longtime Memphis Grizzlies defensive ace Tony Allen is finalizing a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to Shams Charania of the Vertical.
Following the departures of veteran Zach Randolph and Vince Carter to the Sacramento Kings, it was only expected that the next to go would be Allen, as the franchise goes into a different direction.
Allen, who has made the All-NBA Defensive Team six times since coming to Memphis, will now likely come off the bench behind Jrue Holiday, who is now expected to start at the shooting guard position after the acquisition of Rajon Rondo earlier this offseason.
The Oklahoma State product posted 9.1 points and a career-high 5.5 rebounds after playing 27 minutes per game; the best average of his 13-year career in the league.
At 35 years of age, Allen will likely make the rest of his living in the NBA as a lockdown defender off the bench, having proven of limited value at the offensive end of the ball.
The Pelicans now re-enforce their bench with a tough, gritty veteran with playoff experience, hoping to bring a winning attitude into a team that has been playoff-starved for the past couple of seasons.
His acquisition should only round out what's been a successful offseason for a team that had already locked two centerpieces during the season in Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, making a no-brainer signing bringing back Holiday on a five-year contract.
Follow Us
Subscribe