NBA Free Agency 2012: Ray Allen Reportedly 'Torn' Between Celtics and Heat

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Ray Allen is reportedly torn between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat after meeting with the Heat on Thursday.

Windhorst writes: "Free agent Ray Allen left his meeting with the Miami Heat on Thursday night without giving them an answer on their contract offer and is torn on whether to leave the Boston Celtics, sources told ESPN.com on Friday."

The fact that Allen has reservations about leaving Boston to play in Miami is welcome news to Celtics fans. While he would thrive playing alongside LeBron James, he would still remain an integral part of the Celtics' rotation if he stays.

According to Windhorst, the Celtics plan to use Allen alongside new addition Jason Terry, making for a highly productive backcourt pairing off the bench. The Celtics could also explore various three-guard lineups by playing Rondo, Terry and Allen together on the court.

Maybe Boston can sell Allen on the idea of being a key component of what would be an incredibly deep Celtics team. With the deals for Terry, Brandon Bass and Jeff Green all but official, Allen could be the star of an ensemble second unit.

However, the clear waters of South Beach are tempting. As the waves crash onto the shore, the Heat look to make waves of their own by securing Allen and his meticulous three-point prowess.