The Grindfather is trading in Beale Street for Bourbon Street. Tony Allen signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans for the veteran's minimum, The Vertical reported Monday. Allen had spent the last seven years with the Grizzlies, but found himself floating in free agency this summer after Memphis opted for a slight youth movement this offseason.
In Allen, the Pelicans are getting one of the most tenacious defenders in the league. He's the man who made the phrase “First-Team All Defense” a legitimate way to trash talk opponents. And he still put opponents in his trademark vise grip last season, making the All-Defense team for the sixth time in seven years.