Ray Allen Rumors: Return to Boston Celtics Would Be a Bad End to a Great Career

Now that he's an unrestricted free agent, Ray Allen can treat the basketball world like his own personal oyster, as the saying goes. 

The all-time leader in three-point field goals made has the ability to pick and choose, deciding whether he wants to chase money, a championship or both. If he wants to return to the Boston Celtics, he can do so. If he wants to join forces with the New York Knicks or Miami Heat, he can do that as well. 

According to ESPN's Greg Payne, Danny Ainge believes Allen will be turning to his old stomping grounds and hitting shots for the C's once more in 2012-2013: 

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"Yeah, I think Ray's open to coming back," Ainge said. "But, listen, I don't know. I won't even get into details with talking to players other than the exit interviews and Ray was getting rehab here, and we've talked. So I have a feel of where his head is, but I'll know more in July."

Allen, who's reportedly been linked to several other teams, including the Miami Heat, underwent surgery to have bone spurs removed from his right ankle June 13 . While the rehab period gave Ainge extra time to speak with Allen, he said they hadn't talked about a new contract.

"I have had conversations with Ray, yes," Ainge said. "Not contract-specific, but just sort of what his hopes and future [are], what he thinks about our team and would he like to come back and all those types of things. But I haven't had any more specifics, and on July 1 we'll talk more to Ray."

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Regardless of Ainge's hopes, it would be a mistake for the sharpshooter to continue wearing Celtic green next season. With no guarantee that Kevin Garnett will be in the same uniform, let alone in the NBA at all, this might not be the same Celtics team that Allen has grown old(er) with. 

Even if KG does remain in Boston, the entire core is a year older and won't be able to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference once Derrick Rose is fully healthy. There's a very low chance Boston can hang with the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat even if they do manage to get by teams like the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers.

At this stage in his career, Allen's quest for another ring is allowed to trump loyalty. He's showcased the latter trait throughout his career and few will question his desire to be on top yet again. While there will be some backlash if he signs with the Miami Heat, that backlash won't come from truly rational people.

Allen has put in the time and he's allowed to make his own decisions now. He's a big boy in the NBA.

The shooting guard may have struggled throughout this most recent postseason, but he's free of the painful bone spurs that tortured his ankles and messed with his shot. While he's no longer that star he once was, there's no question Allen can still contribute to a contender.

Ever since he was first drafted out of Connecticut in 1996, Allen has enjoyed a great career. It would be a shame for his talents to play out on an aging squad with a closing title window.