NBA Rumors: Ray Allen Must Take a Pay Cut to Sign a Multi-Year Deal with Celtics

Ray Allen was recently asked if he wanted a multi-year deal with the Celtics when he becomes a free agent this offseason. To that he replied:

"Yeah. that's what I want."

It isn't a bad idea to bring Allen back for another two years, if it's at half the cost. Allen is currently in the final year of a two-year, $20 million dollar deal. If the Celtics are going to walk the tightrope and balance current competitiveness with building for the future, they need Allen to accept that kind of deal.

The Celtics have been rumored in several major deals over the past month or so. That is proof, the Celtics are actively chasing improvements, and judging by the names they've shown interest in, they seem to be willing to part with quality players. That could mean parting with point guard Rajon Rondo. Most recently, the Celtics have been mentioned as a team interested in DeMarcus Cousins.

The great thing about Allen,is that his game can fit in with any future acquisitions. Who can't play with a excellently conditioned 6'5" shooting guard who hits on 45 percent of his three point attempts?

So bringing Allen back doesn't have to impact what the Celtics are doing for the future, but his presence does maintain a level of competitiveness.

The C's could approach Kevin Garnett with the same type of deal as the current core slowly fades. If the C's are lucky, they can acquire the next cornerstone of their franchise without trading Rondo. 

Signing Allen at 50 percent off is a 100 percent positive move.