After playing in Memphis for seven seasons, Tony Allen left in free agency and signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. After half a season with a much more reduced role, the defensive specialist was recently traded to the Chicago Bulls. He was part of the deal that sent Nikola Mirotic to New Orleans, in which the Pelicans dumped some salaries and gave the Bulls some assets. But with the trade deadline only three days away, it appears as if the Bulls are not done making moves.
One team interested in trading for Tony Allen is the Oklahoma City Thunder. They just lost Andre Roberson to a season-ending injury and need a defensive presence to fill Roberson's role until he recovers.
Chicago and OKC's front offices were in contact to discuss Allen's expiring contract. As K.C. Johnson from the Chicago Tribune reports, the Bulls are keeping Allen's expiring deal as part of larger packages. And even after acquiring Omer Asik's terrible contract, the Bulls still have enough salary cap space to trade for bad contracts as long as an enticing asset — preferably a first-round pick — comes with it.
Allen may be the closest player in the league to Roberson in terms of on-court contributions. He is as good of a lockdown wing defender as you will find. Plus, he is arguably better on offense than Roberson.
A six-time All-Defensive Team selection, the 36-year old averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 steals with 46.1 percent shooting from the field and 27.8 percent from three in 27 minutes over 71 games last season with the Grizzlies. While it may be hard for OKC to part ways with a first-round pick to acquire a 30-game rental, Allen could be a key part of the Thunder's defense during the playoffs if the front office pulls the trigger.
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