Griz close to deal with Celtics' Tony Allen
The Grizzlies are close to agreeing on a contract with Boston Celtics free agent swingman Tony Allen, The Commercial Appeal has learned.
Allen, 28, is an unrestricted free agent and the Griz are hoping to sign him to a multiyear deal starting at roughly $3 million.
The defensive-minded player just completed his sixth season with the Celtics, who selected the 6-4 Allen with the 25th pick in the 2004 NBA draft.
Signing Allen would mean Memphis would completely severe ties with Ronnie Brewer, who it acquired from Utah for a protected 2011 first-round pick in February. Brewer wasn't extended a $3.7 million qualifying offer and became an unrestricted free agent.
Brewer apparently wasn't willing to commit to the Grizzlies' latest offer because of pending negotiations with Chicago and Utah.
The Griz decided on Allen because of the defense and toughness he could bring to the backcourt off the bench. Memphis is also said to like Allen's leadership qualities and championship attitude given he's played for the title-contending Celtics.
Sourcehttp://blogs.commercialappeal.com/t...iz-close-to-deal-with-celtics-tony-allen.html