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Knicks Trade Rumors: Best Available Defensive Players

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Suns 118-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) and center Marc Gasol (33) celebrate after a score in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) and center Marc Gasol (33) celebrate after a score in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 35 (1/11/1981)
Experience: 13th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .490/.286/.658
2016-17 Season Averages: 27.8 MPG, 10.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.2 APG, 1.8 SPG

Tony Allen is the type of veteran leader who would enter the New York Knicks’ locker room and immediately change the culture. Not only is he one of the best on-ball defenders of all-time, but he’s an NBA champion who knows what it takes to win.

Though his recent performances may have changed the Memphis Grizzlies’ tune on the matter, it was previously reported that Allen is on the trade market.

Even at 35 years of age, Allen is one of the few truly elite perimeter defenders in the NBA. He never backs down from the challenge of defending the opponent’s best perimeter scorer and has a proven postseason pedigree.

An NBA champion with two NBA Finals appearances and three trips to the Conference Finals, Allen knows how to defend at the highest possible level.

Beyond his individual contributions is the reality that Allen holds his teammates accountable on defense. His energy never wavers on the defensive end of the floor, which means the players who don’t give 100 percent will be exposed.

The cost will go a long way towards dictating whether or not the Knicks go through with this trade, but Allen could save New York’s defense.

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