The Grindfather’s time in Memphis appears to be ending, as Shams Charania of The Vertical is reporting that guard Tony Allen is finalizing a one-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Allen was a central figure of the Grizzlies’ Grit-N-Grind era, but this offseason the franchise has focusing on youth in a bit of a reboot.
Aside from Allen’s reported departure, Zach Randolph also left to find a new home, signing as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings. They played a combined 15 seasons in Memphis, seven by Allen after his successful six-season run with the Boston Celtics.
Last season, Allen averaged 9.1 points 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals, but it was cut short with a calf injury that kept him out of the postseason.
Allen has been named to the NBA All-Defensive first team three times, and to the second team three more times. He won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
