NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Teams Targeting Ray Allen

The Boston Celtics' 36-year-old sharpshooter has reportedly generated the most interest of any of the available Celtics. The latest buzz on Allen has come from the L.A. Clippers. 

Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reported this today on the Clippers' interest in Allen:

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Yet for all the talk of Boston point guard Rajon Rondo possibly being traded, some league executives have shooting guard and free-agent-to-be Ray Allen pegged as the most likely to be moved. Sources say the Clippers are interested, having lost Chauncey Billups to season-ending injury and lost out to New York in the J.R. Smith sweepstakes.

But the price is likely too high, as Boston wants a package that includes a young talent and a draft pick. The Clippers don't have the latter component, though, and there's a bit of irony involved as to why.

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Could it be that the Celtics' asking price will go down the closer they get to the deadline?

At this point, with everyone in the world aware that Danny Ainge is looking to rebuild and retool, Allen won't likely be back in Boston next year. The same goes for Kevin Garnett, who, like Allen, is a free agent after this season.

That said, the Celtics have no leverage. It behooves them to take what they can get, as it seems they are almost certain to lose them for nothing.

If the two future Hall of Famers really want to return to Boston for less money next season and Ainge will have them, they can re-sign after this season. 

The Celtics obviously want to get younger up front. So it would seem reasonable to believe that they would part with Ray Allen as a means to accomplish that.

Mitch Lawrence of NY Daily News reported the Celtics' interest in Atlanta's Josh Smith:

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Team president Danny Ainge realizes that the Celtics won’t win the title and can only make the playoffs. That’s not good enough for a franchise that proudly flies 17 championship banners.

With the Big Three’s window now shut, Ainge is trying to land Atlanta’s Josh Smith and other young studs, while offering up Kevin Garnett. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen can also be had, for young players and draft picks.

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The Hawks don't seem to have an immediate need for Allen. Unless they plan to move Joe Johnson to the small forward spot, I can't see how that is a great add. Atlanta is not a true championship contender—even with a healthy Al Horford—and Allen doesn't change that.

Atlanta is better off holding on to their youth and draft picks because whether they realize it or not, they should also be in rebuilding mode. The nucleus of Smith, Johnson and Horford has peaked.

The Clippers make tons of sense, but I can see some other teams getting involved before the trade deadline.

Stay tuned for the latest on prospective landing spots for Allen and other NBA players who may be on the move.