Boston Celtics Rumors: Ray Allen Would Be Crazy to Leave for Heat or Knicks

If Ray Allen wasn't entirely enthusiastic about his temporary stint on the Boston Celtics' bench, it's awfully hard to imagine why he'd have interest in joining the Miami Heat or New York Knicks.

But, according to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, Allen may have his mind set on just that:

"

Prediction: KG retires, Ray Allen walks (Miami, NY are atop his list, I'm told), Pierce is dangled in a trade.

— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixSI) June 10, 2012"

Something doesn't add up here. Either Mannix's sources are way off target, or Allen has completely lost it.

Neither the Heat nor the Knicks would make for a good fit. Even if Allen were to accept whatever cap exception he could get his hands on, he'd be far less likely to accept the minimal role and playing time he'd be offered.

In Miami, Allen would compete with the likes of Mike Miller for minutes on the bench—the few minutes starting shooting guard Dwyane Wade doesn't happen to play. Allen may still be a better scorer than anyone on the Heat's bench, but that doesn't mean he'll be able to earn more than 15 to 20 minutes a game.

Meanwhile, Allen could face a similar logjam in New York, even though there's no one of Wade's caliber hogging the lion's share of the minutes.

Even with Iman Shumpert expected to miss a month or more of next season as he recovers from an ACL injury, the Knicks could have a number of options in the backcourt. Depending on where New York's own free agents wind up, Allen could find himself struggling to match the minutes he got in Boston.

Chances are New York hangs on to Landry Fields, and J.R. Smith holds a player option to return next season. Toney Douglas—a shoot-first kind of guy with some combo-guard tendencies will remain a Knick for at least another season.

Of course, a move or two could change a lot of things. 

If New York or Miami deals some of its backcourt depth, perhaps Allen becomes the perfect replacement.

Even then, though, why leave Boston?

Allen won't find a better distributor than Rajon Rondo—and no, Jeremy Lin isn't there yet. He certainly won't find a point guard better equipped to get him the ball exactly where he wants it.

He also may not find a better opportunity to win.

The Celtics may not have made it to the NBA Finals this season, but they came within 12 minutes of doing so. In New York and Miami, Allen would join teams perpetually plagued by distraction, scrutiny and locker-room dysfunction.

That hasn't been the case in Boston, and nor should it be any time soon. This club make take a quieter path to its success, but it's probably better off that way—and so is Ray Allen.