From being part of one big three to backing up another?
Boston Celtics shooting guard Ray Allen's contract is up. If he doesn't end up back in green, ESPN New York reports that the ten-time All Star would heavily consider signing with the Heat. Apparently there aren't hard feelings that his team just got knocked out by ours in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Boston's Big Three, assembled in 2008, may or may not be playing together again next year. Both Allen and Kevin Garnett's contracts are done. Paul Pierce is signed through 2014 but has flirted with retirement. However, apparently the latest in the rumor mill is that Pierce wants Garnett to come back. If that happens next year's Celtics team could look a lot like this year's. If it doesn't, well, Allen may be taking his talents to you know where.
Reports ESPN New York:
If the Celtics don't pan out for Allen, Sports Illustrated's NBA writer Chris Mannix was told that the Knicks and Heat are at the top of his list. But a source very familiar with Allen's situation told ESPNNewYork.com that the Heat, as well as potentially the Clippers, will be more attractive to the five-time All-Star in the offseason because they're top teams that can offer more than the veteran's minimum of $1.4 million. That will likely be the Knicks' spending limit for free agents.Allen could indeed provide a solid back-up shooting guard if Mike Miller isn't around next year, but Miami's bench sometimes resembles a retirement home. There's no questions his career is winding down, but he still has some fire in him for a 15-year veteran.
You also have to consider that the Clippers feature Chris Paul and the Heat have LeBron James and Dwyane Wade as proven floor generals. The Knicks will have the still-developing Jeremy Lin running the show next season. If you're Allen, who would you put your trust into more for delivering great passes with your career winding down?
For Heat fans who only remember him the season from his so-so performance in the ECF, be aware the dude was playing with a bit of a bum ankle. He's undergoing surgery for it this week and is expected to be healthy by August.
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