Report: Clippers Discussing Sign-and-Trade Options to Acquire Tony Allen from Memphis

The grit-n-grind era in Memphis may be coming to an end. Long-time Grizzlies mainstay Zach Randolph has left town for Sacramento, Marc Gasol could be on the trading block, and former OSU guard Tony Allen could be seeing his final days, too.

According to a report from TNT’s David Aldridge, the Los Angeles Clippers have held discussions with the Grizzlies regarding a potential sign-and-trade to acquire Allen, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Despite signing Blake Griffin to a monstrous five-year, $173 million contract, the Clippers are entering a mini-rebuild after losing All-NBA point guard Chris Paul to Houston and outside assassin J.J. Redick to the 76ers. Allen, who is neither a point guard nor an outside shooter, could fill a void for the Clippers as a veteran presence on a young team that now includes former OSU point guard Jawun Evans. He could also stabilize the team as a steady defensive presence as a former first-team all defensive player.

Allen played in 71 games for the Grizzlies last season, but was sidelined for a big stretch towards the end of the season with a strained calf and did not return for the team’s playoff run. During his NBA career, Allen has averaged 8.2 points, 1.4 steals and 3.6 rebounds per game that included six seasons in Boston and seven in Memphis.