Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies
Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 34 (1/11/1982)
2016-17 Slash Line: .470/.200/.667
2016-17 Season Averages: 27.2 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.8 SPG
The New York Knicks currently rank No. 25 in the NBA with an average of 107.5 points allowed per 100 possessions. New York is also No. 25 in points allowed per game, although it does rank in the Top 10 in opponent 3-point field goal percentage.
The Knicks know how to defend, but simply fail to maintain defensive intensity—and that’s why Tony Allen makes sense.
The fact that Allen is available for a trade is shocking given the overachieving nature of the Memphis Grizzlies’ season. Despite the fact that all but one starter has missed time in 2016-17, Memphis is 19-12.
According to Grizzlies beat writer Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal, the Grizzlies are still receiving inquiries about Allen’s availability—and listening.
This could be a trade opportunity worth exploring for the Knicks.
It’s no secret that the Knicks have struggled on the defensive end of the floor in 2016-17. It’s also no secret that Allen and Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee have played together in the past—or that they helped Memphis reach the postseason.
Trading for Allen may prove too costly in the end, but pursuing one of the league’s premier on-ball defenders wouldn’t be a terrible idea with just one year remaining on his contract.