NBA Free Agency 2012: Odds on Where Ray Allen Will Play Next Season
As is the case every year in the beginning of July, NBA free agency is upon us. It's a time where rumors fly. No one can ever be sure what's going to happen next, or where all the big stars will wind up.
One of the big names floating around at the moment is Ray Allen. Allen has received offers from the Celtics, Heat and Grizzlies. Where Allen will go is uncertain, so here are the latest odds on where Allen will play the 2012-2013 season.
Miami Heat: 3/1
Allen's odds of playing for the Heat are slimmer than one would initially think. While the Heat will be favored to win another title next season, there's one big problem if Ray Allen wants to play in South Beach:
Money.
The Heat are only offering Allen a $3 million deal, which is less than what both the Celtics and Grizzlies are prepared to offer the former UConn star. While Allen has already made a ton of money, he's aging and these next few years are likely his last chance to win a title. I think he'll have a hard time accepting such a small amount of money, despite his advanced age.
However, maybe Dwyane Wade, Lebron James and Chris Bosh can talk to him and help him change his mind.
Memphis Grizzlies: 5/1
The Grizzlies are actually a very solid team, and in a few years could be title contenders. The have a lot of talent with Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. They key issue with the Grizzlies, as far as Ray Allen is concerned, is that they might be title contenders.
At Allen's age, he won't want to go to a team that is gearing up for a future title run, he'll want to go somewhere where he can win right away. The Grizzlies are talented, but the uncertainty about their future will likely scare Allen away, even though they're prepared to offer him a $5 million deal.
Boston Celtics: Even Money
Maybe it's the optimist in me, but I really envision Allen remaining a Celtic next season. Re-signing KG definitely helps the Celtics' chances to keep Allen. And with the addition of Jared Sullinger, they'll absolutely be able to compete for a title next season, provided everyone stays healthy.
The Celtics also can offer a two-year deal worth $12 million, which is worth more than both the Heat and the Grizzlies. Allen also likely feels a sense of attachment to Boston, having already won a title there. If he's on the fence, he'll probably stay in Boston.
But as we've seen in previous years, when it comes to NBA free agency, you just never know.
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