NBA Free Agency: Clippers Discussing Sign and Trade for Tony Allen

The Clippers lack depth on the wing right now, especially considering Danilo Gallinari’s injury history. Therefore, it is no surprise that they are looking for help to bolster those positions. Tony Allen is a bit of an odd choice, however, as he is old (35) and doesn’t shoot the three well. Moreover, he too is an injury risk, averaging a mere 63 games played over the past four seasons.

Allen was a mainstay on the Grit and Grind Grizzlies for the past seven years, but before that played six seasons on the Boston Celtics under Doc Rivers. He and Rivers are reportedly still close, and Tony would certainly be a strong and valuable presence in the locker room. Allen has championship experience, and is one of the most respected veterans in the NBA.

Allen was one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA in his prime, and is still quite effective on that end (2nd Team All Defense this past season). The Clippers could use a wing stopper, as Pat Beverley and Austin Rivers are a bit too small to cover most wings, Lou Williams is a negative on that end, and Gallinari is better suited to cover power forwards. Allen’s lack of shooting does make him an awkward fit with the Clippers, who already have several non-shooters in their tentative rotation. However, he’s still an NBA rotation level player, and would be a solid get for a Clippers team that is gunning for the playoffs.

It is currently unknown what Allen’s deal would look like, or what the Clippers would be giving back in the sign and trade. Stay tuned for further updates!