NBA Free Agency Rumors: Ray Allen Would Be Foolish to Join Miami Heat

Ray Allen would be making a mistake if he left the Boston Celtics and signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent this summer.

According to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld, Miami might have a slight edge over Boston right now.

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A return to Boston isn't out of the question for Ray Allen, but sources believe he's leaning toward Miami. He's meeting with the Heat today.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 5, 2012"

Allen is currently one of the most beloved players in Boston sports, but if he joins the Heat, he could face a large amount of displeasure from Celtics fans.

Leaving the Celtics and teaming up with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh would be really difficult for Celtics fans to think about.

It would be as bad as a Red Sox player going to the New York Yankees, a Patriots player going to the New York Jets or a Bruins player going to the Montreal Canadiens.

The Celtics can offer Allen more money than the Heat, as Michael Scotto of RealGM explains.

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Ray Allen visits the Heat today. Allen can sign with Miami for 2-yrs, $6 million or stay with the Celtics at 2-yrs, $12 million. #freeagency

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 5, 2012"

Since he wouldn't start on the Heat, plus the fact that Boston can offer him more money, there's no reason for Allen to choose the Heat in free agency.

The lack of a star point guard in Miami would also be an issue for Allen, who doesn't create his own shot as well as he used to. Since the Heat have several players who can shoot from the outside, such as James Jones, Shane Battier, Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller, Allen might not get the playing time he desires in Miami.

Allen may have a slightly better chance to win another championship with the Heat, but with a healthy Avery Bradley and Jeff Green—plus the addition of Jason Terry—the Celtics will be championship contenders next year.

Allen has the perfect situation in Boston. He's playing with a great group of veterans on a championship caliber team in a city where the fans adore him. There's no reason to leave all that and go to Miami.

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