GRINDMAN RETURNETH
Guard agrees to 4-year, $20M deal to remain with Grizzlies; Leuer also returns
The Grizzlies and Tony Allen, the team’s defensive ace, agreed in principle to a four-year, $20 million deal.
Tony Allen began the Grizzlies’ grit-and-grind movement in FedExForum three years ago.
Tuesday night, the Griz made sure that the veteran, defensive ace will be around several more seasons as sergeant at arms of what has been dubbed the Grindhouse.
Allen and the Griz agreed in principle to a four-year, $20 million contract, according to league sources with knowledge of the deal. Allen, who became an unrestricted free agent on Monday, inked a deal that is fully guaranteed.
NBA teams were allowed to discuss contracts beginning Monday but can’t officially sign players until a moratorium ends July 10.
The Griz will also finalize a three-year, $3 million contract with reserve forward Jon Leuer at that time, according to a source.
Allen, though, was the Grizzlies’ stated priority during free agency.
Griz CEO Jason Levien told The Commercial Appeal earlier this week that the team would aggressively court Allen because of his impact on the team and in the community.
“It’s readily apparent to everybody that Tony is a big part of our DNA and our culture,” Levien said Monday. “The effort and energy he brings … I would match that against anyone in pro sports. His unselfishness resonates with us. We’re anxious and excited to bring him back. We’re fortunate that Tony has connected so well with this community.”
Allen, 31, had other suitors, including Milwaukee, New York, Indiana, Portland, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Allen’s presence has been as integral to the Grizzlies’ success on the court as his popularity off it.
He’s built a cult following in the city, mainly because of his work ethic and no-holdsbarred play.
NBA general managers have deemed Allen the best perimeter defender in the league. Allen backed up that tag by earning the most Defensive Player of the Year votes of any guard.
Allen earned a place on the league’s all- defensive team every year he’s played for the Griz, including a first-team nod in each of the past two seasons.
Allen repeatedly said last season that he would like to retire in a Grizzlies uniform.
Retirement is several years away but Allen received an early wedding gift with his new Griz deal. Allen will marry his longtime girlfriend, Desiree Rodriquez, July 13 in Boston.
Meanwhile, Leuer’s signing was expected given he is highly regarded by Griz vice president of basketball operations John Hollinger. Leuer was acquired from Cleveland in a deal for Wayne Ellington and Marreese Speights.