Confirmed: Tony Allen Taking His Talents To Memphis

Update: Twitter / David Aldridge: 

Source confirms Boston guard Tony Allen to go to Memphis on three-year deal, $9.7M. Link soon on NBA.com.

Perhaps Greg Dickerson jumped the gun a bit on his report that Tony Allen would be back.

The Memphis Edge: Grizzlies/NBA Archives

The Grizzlies are close to agreeing on a contract with Boston Celtics free agent swingman Tony Allen, The Commercial Appeal has learned.   Allen, 28, is an unrestricted free agent and the Griz are hoping to sign him to a multiyear deal starting at roughly $3 million.

The Griz decided on Allen because of the defense and toughness he could bring to the backcourt off the bench. Memphis is also said to like Allen's leadership qualities and championship attitude given he's played for the title-contending Celtics.

If Tony does sign elsewhere, his defense will be missed.  With that said, I think he's a highly replaceable player (though it will have to be with the vet minimum or a trade).  One has to assume that Danny has a plan in place to replace Tony on the wing.

Update: According to someone named Alex Kennedy, this is a done deal.

Tony Allen agrees to three year, $10 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to sources.

Allen wanted to return to Boston at the same price but the Celtics didn't want to pay him.