Aldridge: LA Clippers Have Interest in Acquiring Tony Allen

With the LA Clippers in need of backcourt depth, they may look to add veteran Tony Allen to their roster.

According to a tweet from David Aldridge, the LA Clippers have expressed interest in acquiring guard Tony Allen by way of sign-and-trade.

Allen, 35, is known as one of the best defensive players in the NBA, and is often called upon for his grittiness and toughness on the court. He is also a 6-time member of the league’s All-Defensive teams.

Now that the Clippers are approaching what is likely the end of their free agency moves,  it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to clear enough room to sign Allen. All the Clippers can use is their mid-level exception (MLE) worth $8,400,000. In turn, the more likely scenario involves the Clippers obtaining Allen by way of sign-and-trade.

The smart move would be to flip Wesley Johnson, who will likely be moved out of the rotation with the recent signing of Danilo Gallinari and acquisition of Sam Dekker. However, this is extremely unlikely. WeJo had an unproductive season last year, averaging career lows across nearly every statistical category. His only positives are his youth, potential, and cheap contract. Otherwise, the Clippers have a number of other assets they could send to Memphis.

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Allen played 71 games for Memphis last season, and averaged 9.1 points and 5.5 rebounds in 27 minutes per game. He would likely fill in behind guards Austin Rivers and Lou Williams, although Allen could backup any position from 1-3.

It’s also worth noting that Allen previously played under Doc Rivers during his time in Boston. Allen was an important member of Rivers’s only championship team in 2008. Allen has also been the source of many Clippers fans’ headaches over the years.

Be sure to stay tuned to Clipperholics for more free agency updates!