NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers Should Ignore Ray Allen

Things are going so well for the Los Angeles Clippers right now that there is an urge to try something at the deadline to boost team morale even higher. One name that has been bantered about is Ray Allen, but he would not be a wise move for them. 

According to Sean Deveney of the Sporting News, Allen would be the most likely candidate to be moved, if the Celtics decide to start making deals. 

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Sources say that should the #Celtics decide to break up the roster, it is Ray Allen, not Rajon Rondo, who has generated the most interest.

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"— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 27, 2012"

Following that up, Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated wrote that the Clippers are looking at Allen to fill the void left in their lineup after Chauncey Billups got hurt. 

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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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As good as the Clippers look right now, they can't afford to part with anymore assets. They basically emptied out their roster to acquire Chris Paul from New Orleans. That move has worked out well, but there are only so many deals one team can make. 

They need to worry about finding depth and key players off the bench before searching for another high-impact offensive player. 

Paul and Blake Griffin are so good on their own that the Clippers can focus their attention on finding smaller moves to better prepare them for a deep playoff run.

They are the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference already, so there is no need to make a rash move just to prove something to themselves and/or everyone else. 

Allen's price is too steep for the Clippers—or anyone else—to pay right now. If the Celtics dramatically alter what they want, then Los Angeles should get involved. But right now, there is no reason for them to pursue a trade. 

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