NBA Trade Rumors: Ray Allen, Boston Celtics' Best Options

March 15 continues to inch closer and the NBA trade season is about to blossom.

Like a kid waiting to write his mid-term the night before it’s due, for whatever reason trades don’t begin coming to fruition until the clock is close to striking zero.

The Boston Celtics have been the center of endless amounts of trade rumors as they begin to realize an era is coming to a close. Previously, it’s been Rajon Rondo’s name that keeps popping up.

Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated has reported that it’s actually Ray Allen who is the prime trade bait:

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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.

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With one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time on the trading block, here are the contending teams that need him the most.

1. LA Clippers

The Clips don’t have a ton of assets to wow Boston, but if they can figure out a way to make the deal, it has to be done.

Since losing Chauncey Billups for the year, the Clippers are missing a veteran guard with postseason experience to ease some of the load off Chris Paul.

Allen can spread the floor and open up more space for CP3 to penetrate in the lane. He is hitting a ridiculous 48 percent of his three-pointers and would be a strong upgrade over Mo Williams.

In turn, Williams can move back to his natural spot at the point to give the Clippers a killer backcourt that is capable of making the NBA Finals.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

The only thing missing for the Thunder is a veteran with championship experience that can stretch the floor with his long-range shooting.

Who does that remind you of?

Allen can teach Kevin Durant lessons that nobody on the current roster can.

Aside from Thabo Sefolosha, who is currently injured, the Thunder don’t possess a single player shooting over 40 percent from three-point land.  Allen would make the No. 1 team in the Western Conference the clear favorite to win the NBA Finals.

3. Miami Heat

The team that seemingly has everything still doesn’t possess a knockdown three-point shooter that can be relied upon in crunch time.

At this point in his career, winning a title is Allen’s goal and sacrificing a few minutes of playing time is surely something he would do.

The only question is if the Celtics are willing to help one of their big rivals in exchange for a so-so package. The Heat don’t have a ton of flexibility and would have to offer a package that’s heavy on draft picks. 

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