Bulls Rumors: Ray Allen Would Help Put Chicago over the Top as Title Contenders

It is usually difficult to find impact free agents once the regular season starts in the NBA, but the Chicago Bulls have an opportunity to add a game-changer in Ray Allen.

There have been tons of rumors and speculation throughout the offseason and into the regular season concerning Allen's future with the NBA. While at one time it seemed as though he was certain to join the Cleveland Cavaliers with former teammate LeBron James, his agent shot that down, via Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated:

The fact is that the 39-year-old guard has not yet decided what he will do this season. Allen discussed his thoughts about a return with Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant, via the Sun-Sentinel (subscription required).

"I've just been home, taking my kids to school," Allen said. "I'm working out, taking care of my body. I'm in great shape. I'll just watch how the season progresses, and if I do feel the desire to continue to play, then I'll decide what situation is viable for me."

As the season moves forward, joining a contending team like the Bulls might end up becoming more interesting for a player who would love to add another NBA championship to his collection.

When asked about this possibility, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (subscription required) noted it was possible: "The Bulls have stayed in contact with Allen’s representatives to see if he will play this season. If he chooses to, they’d certainly add another shooter."

Although many believe Allen will eventually end up with the Cavaliers, a move to Chicago would make as much sense for the veteran.

He would be joining an elite squad that already has the pieces in place to win a championship whether he plays or not. This type of upside without much pressure would be very appealing for a player in his position. 

Additionally, Allen would be placed in a perfect position to succeed on an offense that really knows how to move the ball. Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol are two of the best in the league at drawing a double-team and passing to an open man, while Derrick Rose, Aaron Brooks and Jimmy Butler have also proven to be willing passers on the court.

Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders noticed this ability early on this season:

The guard would get open looks all day as long as he is on the floor and should be able to add to his NBA-record 2,973 career three-pointers made.

From the Bulls perspective, adding three-point shooters is not an immediate need with Brooks, Mike Dunleavy and Kirk Hinrich playing well to start the year. First-round pick Doug McDermott also has the talent to be one of the best outside shooters in the game.

However, none of them are as consistent as Allen, who has a career mark of 40 percent from behind the arc. Besides, having extra shooters is never a bad thing in the NBA.

Of course, the most important thing he would provide is experience. Noah has played a lot of minutes in the playoffs, while Gasol won two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the team is still relying on a lot of young players to help bring home a championship.

Allen has won two championships in his career and would provide instant leadership to this squad. He also has shown he can be trusted to make a big shot when needed, as he did in the 2013 NBA Finals:

Chicago has a lot of talent on the roster, but few players would bring as much confidence when going up for a vital shot in the closing seconds as Allen.

The Bulls are off to a strong start to the season and clearly have what it takes to contend in the Eastern Conference regardless of any changes to the roster. If they play well enough and stay healthy, they can bring home a title.

Still, Allen could represent that extra piece required to win it all. If the shooting guard is interested in signing, the organization should do whatever it takes to bring him aboard.

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