Sources: Tony Allen finalizing one-year deal with Pelicans

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Tony Allen has played 13 NBA seasons. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
Tony Allen has played 13 NBA seasons. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Free-agent swingman Tony Allen is finalizing a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources told The Vertical.

Allen, 35, bolsters the Pelicans’ rotation after the loss of Solomon Hill for most of the season because of hamstring surgery. Allen, a three-time first-team All-Defensive team member, has established himself as an elite stopper and energy player in 13 NBA seasons.

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The Pelicans re-signed guard Jrue Holiday in July and have used free agency to add accomplished veteran players in Allen, Rajon Rondo and Ian Clark to surround All-Star big men Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.

New Orleans had a need for a wing after Hill’s injury and worked the open market for an addition, with Allen receiving interest from several other teams over the past several weeks.

Allen averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists in 71 games (66 starts) for the Memphis Grizzlies last season.

Allen became a fan favorite during his past seven seasons with the Grizzlies, joining the franchise in 2010 after six years in Boston. Allen was a member of the Celtics’ 2008 championship team with Rondo.

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