The Memphis Grizzlies have kicked off their 2016-17 campaign in high gear, compiling an impressive 18-10 record through 28 games. Despite having a rookie coach at the helm in David Fizdale and enduring a plethora of injuries to starters such as Mike Conley and Chandler Parsons, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with out West. However, we all know there is always room to improve in the NBA, especially in the crowded Western Conference. Apparently, the Grizz may be looking to improve their roster through the trade market and guard Tony Allen could be a primary candidate to be dealt. Following from Memphis Grizzlies beat writer Ronald Tillery :
Teams are gauging interest in Tony Allen and Griz are listening, per sources. Griz engaged T'Wolves with Allen trade talk in 2014.
— Ronald Tillery (@CAGrizBeat) December 18, 2016
The Grizzlies listening to trade offers does come as a bit of a surprise considering their early success. Allen is rightfully considered one of the true lockdown wing defenders in the NBA and his multiple first-team all defense selections verify it. The “grit and grind” era in Memphis operated largely through the toughness Allen brought night in and night out.
This year, Allen has seen his role reduced significantly, partly due to a groin injury which kept him out of the lineup for an extended period. In his absence, we saw the emergence of younger, higher-scoring wing options such as James Ennis and especially sharpshooter Troy Daniels. Dealing Allen would certainly take a toll on the Memphis defense, but as we’ve seen thus far in Fizdale’s tenure, the rookie coach seems to be leaning towards breaking in younger options.
If Allen were to be on the trade block, there should be plenty of teams inquiring about the services of the tough-nosed veteran guard. Teams across the association highly covet being able to bring a stud defender into the game and immediately stagnate the opponent’s best perimeter threat which is exactly the void Allen would fill. Expect the rumor mill surrounding Allen to only heat up as Memphis looks to add another piece to their championship puzzle.
