Tony Allen. AP
METAIRIE, La. — The Pelicans signed free-agent guard Tony Allen on Friday, and a pair of free-agent forwards also agreed to terms with New Orleans.
Allen’s contract is worth $2.3 million for one year, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because financial terms have not been disclosed.
Martell Webster and Perry Jones also have agreed to terms on non-guaranteed contracts which are expected to become official next week, the person said.
The addition of the 6-foot-4 Allen provides back-court depth as well as an option on the wing when using a smaller lineup. Allen also brings a reputation for defense dating back to when he helped the Boston Celtics win the 2008 NBA title. He has been named to the NBA all-defensive first team three times, most recently in 2015.
Allen has spent the past seven seasons with Memphis, mostly in a starting role. Last season, Allen averaged 9.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 steals.
The 35-year-old Allen began his NBA career in 2004 when he was drafted 25th overall by Boston out of Oklahoma State.
The 6-7 Webster, a 2005 draft choice by Portland, has not played in the NBA in two seasons. Sidetracked by injuries, he is attempting a comeback on a club in need of healthy wing players.
Last month, Pelicans starting small forward Solomon Hill needed surgery to repair a hamstring tear that is expected to sideline him six to eight months. New Orleans then traded Quincy Pondexter to free up cash, leaving the 6-8 Darius Miller and 6-7 Jalen Jones as the only healthy true small forwards on the club.
Webster last played in the NBA in the 2014-15 season, appearing in 32 games with Washington and averaging 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds. He had career-high averages of 11.4 points and 3.9 rebounds with the Wizards in the 2012-13 season.
The 25-year-old Jones also has not played in the NBA since the 2014-15 season, his third with Oklahoma City. He spent last season in the developmental NBA G League.
Without guaranteed deals, Webster and Jones will have to make the team in training camp.