NBA Rumors: Ray Allen Would Be a Perfect Fit with Atlanta Hawks

Boston Celtics free agent Ray Allen has already been linked to a number of clubs, most notably the Miami Heat and New York Knicks.

Though it's ultimately unclear where Allen wants to be, he's reportedly on the Atlanta Hawks' wishlist of offseason targets according to FOXSportsOhio.com's Sam Amico:

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Don’t be surprised if the Hawks make a run at former Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford, who spent the past season with the Trail Blazers. Ray Allen (Celtics) and Alonzo Gee (Cavs) are also said to be on their radar.

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With free agent Kirk Hinrich potentially bolting from the Hawks' backcourt, a shooter like Crawford or Allen makes a lot of sense.

Given Allen's age, however, he could be more likely to play for the reduced rate of a mid-level exception. The Hawks obviously aren't as likely as the Heat to contend, but they can at least promise the 36-year-old more playing time.

Whereas Dwyane Wade has the Heat's off-guard position locked down, Joe Johnson could move over to the small-forward position, an adjustment that head coach Larry Drew already toyed this season.

Prior to coming up short against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the postseason, the Hawks made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for three-consecutive years. With a healthy Al Horford, next season may be a golden opportunity to return to that second round or perhaps do a bit better.

Having Allen on board would make such a prospect all the more probable.

Beyond his supremely-accurate, quick-release perimeter shot, Allen also has nerves of steal and the veteran playoff experience that could help put a team like Atlanta over the top.

And–as far as the Xs and Os go–Allen would help make speedy point guard Jeff Teague an even more dangerous threat to drive and kick the ball out to the three-point line. He'd immediately become the best spot-up shooter on ATL's roster by a long shot, and his presence alone would help spread the floor.

Selling Allen on all this may be a different story altogether.

Unless he had assurances that the Hawks could otherwise improve the roster into a legitimate title contender, persuading him to give Atlanta a chance wouldn't be easy.

Plausible or not, this is a scenario that makes good sense for both sides.