Lavoy Allen was considered a throw-in by many a year and a half ago when the Indiana Pacers sent Danny Granger to Philadelphia in exchange for shooting guard Evan Turner. Allen, however, has proven to be much more than that.
On Thursday, the second day of free agency, the Pacers reached agreement with Allen on a three-year deal for $12 million, a source confirmed to VigilantSports.com.
The Pacers are encouraged by the forward’s play and had prior discussions about bringing him back. In doing so, they now have four big men on the roster: Roy Hibbert, reserve center Ian Mahinmi and first-round pick Myles Turner. Team officials, though, continue to shop Hibbert.
Earlier Thursday, shooting guard Monta Ellis agreed to a four-year deal (final year is a player option) worth approximately $44 million, per a league source. Deals cannot be signed until July 9th.
Allen is a solid role player and a great offensive rebounder. He is a team player, a willing listener, and a great locker room guy. Appearing in 63 games last season, Allen averaged 5.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game and posted four double-doubles.
Lavoy and his wife, Deloris, married last August and are expecting their second child. Last season, he played on a one-year deal.
Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports first reported that a deal was in place.