Ray Allen Reportedly Drawing Interest from Minnesota Timberwolves

Many believe the Minnesota Timberwolves are a shooting guard away from being a contender in the Western Conference. As it turns out, the T'Wolves may be trying to address that need with the greatest long-range shooter in NBA history—Ray Allen.

While all signs point to Allen signing with the Miami Heat or returning to the Boston Celtics, ESPN's Ric Bucher reports (via Twitter) that the Timberwolves are an under-the-radar suitor for Allen's services:

"

Sources: TWolves are the heretofore unnamed dark-horse team in the Ray Allen Sweepstakes. Dark, though, as in jet-black.

— Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) July 6, 2012"

While they are a long shot to land him, the T'Wolves could offer the future Hall of Famer a much bigger role than the one he would receive with either the Heat or Celtics. 

Allen, who will turn 37 years old on July 20, would immediately become Miami top option off the bench, giving the Heat yet another perimeter threat in addition to Mike Miller and Shane Battier. On the Boston Celtics, with whom he has spent the last five seasons, Allen would fill a similar reserve role behind defensive standout Avery Bradley.

But if Allen values playing time over the immediate opportunity to contend for a title, then the Wolves may be worth a look. Though the T'Wolves recently agreed to terms with Brandon Roy, Allen would almost certainly start at shooting guard as Roy is coming off a year of inactivity. 

The T'Wolves originally drafted Allen fifth overall in the 1996 NBA Draft before trading him to the Milwaukee Bucks for Stephon Marbury. If they could find a way to bring him back, the team's hopes of making a deep playoff run would drastically improve.