Ray Allen a hot commodity in this year’s free agency class – NBA News
Nobody could have thought nearly a month ago that Ray Allen would be a hot commodity in this year’s free agency class.
The 36 year old shooting guard had been battling with an ankle injury and struggling to find his shooting rhythm. He missed a few games at the close of the regular season and even lost his starting position amidst reports that
he was not happy with the team and was looking to be traded.
But Allen, much like the Boston Celtics, turned around the perception of the people with an amazing performance in the NBA playoffs.
The Boston Celtics were 1 win away from reaching the NBA Finals, but were defeated by the Miami Heat in 7 games in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics went through teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers to reach
the Conference Finals. They competed against younger and more athletic teams but still managed to come out on top.
Allen returned to his usual self deep in the playoffs and proved to be a potent weapon in the Celtics arsenal.
It does not come as a surprise then that Allen is being hunted down by more than one team as free agency begins. Allen is an unrestricted free agent which means he can pretty much pick any team that he wants.
The Miami Heat want him in their line up but all they have to offer is the mini mid level exception worth $3 million. However, they are the current NBA champions and are championship contenders for next season as well. Being part
of a team that can win a championship is a big plus.
The Memphis Grizzlies are also looking to sign Allen. The Grizzlies were one of the worst teams in terms of three point shooting last season and will be looking forward to adding a quality shooter, particularly from three point
range who can open up the defense and spread the floor, allowing the Grizzlies to better attack the paint area. Allen possesses all those features and could be a great addition to the Grizzlies roster. The Grizzlies can also offer Allen their full mid level
exception at $5 million.
But the biggest surprise has been the fact that the Boston Celtics want Allen back for next season. After a season that saw him lose his starting position in the team, it looked very improbable that Allen would be back with his
team for next season. Furthermore, the Celtics also seemed to be in restructuring mode after losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the team management seems convinced that the Celtics can attempt a shot at the championship with
the same core, and the addition of some new draft picks and a healthy Avery Bradley.
For that very reason, the Celtics have started negotiations with Kevin Garnett and are now also talking to Ray Allen. They have reportedly offered Allen a 2 year $12 million contract. Allen will now go through the process of comparing
the financial aspects of each offer, along with his role in each team before he makes a decision. Celtics coach Doc Rivers seemed pretty convinced that Allen would be coming back
“We really want him back and I really think at the end of the day that he will be back because this is such a good fit for him. We need him back and we're trying to get him back," said Rivers.
“It's a stretch for me to see him go somewhere else,” added Rivers.
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