Ray Allen Free-Agent Buzz and Analyzing Best Fit Among Warriors, Cavs and More
Ray Allen remains the focus of intense free-agent speculation. The 39-year-old sharpshooter hasn't tipped his hand, however, seemingly content to let the situation develop while deciding whether to make another run at an NBA title.
Allen, who came up just short of his third championship with the Miami Heat last season, is rare in the fact he's remaining on the market by choice. Rather than signing during the offseason, he's waiting to see what type of opportunities arise. He hasn't taken retirement completely off the table, either.
Ryen Russillo of ESPN reported last week that the shooting guard is informing interested teams to make further contact in January. As of now, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the apparent favorites:
Waiting until the second half of the season has always been the best alternative for Allen. At this stage of his career, it isn't about the numbers. In turn, it wouldn't make a ton of sense to put himself through the entire 82-game grind.
Allen—and the teams with a legitimate chance of signing him—are interested in crunch time. Getting back into game shape during the stretch run and being as healthy as possible for the playoffs is the ultimate goal, assuming he decides to come back.
Jordan Schultz of the Huffington Post reports there are five teams receiving serious consideration. Like Russillo, he notes there's no hurry to make the call:
The Cavaliers obviously stand out. Along with the existing relationship between Allen and LeBron James from their time in Miami, Cleveland could use another shooter with Dion Waiters struggling to adapt to his new role and Mike Miller unable to find his shooting stroke before suffering a concussion.
James' squad also plays in the weaker conference. If the only goal is winning a title, that's clearly a factor that must be considered.
The Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards also hold that advantage. Each of those teams has concerns that could cause Allen to shy away, though.
For the Bulls, it's the health of Derrick Rose. Their only chance of walking away with the championship comes if he can stay on the court for the entire playoff run. Given his track record over the past couple years, that's a tough bet to make for the 10-time All-Star.
For the Wizards, it's a lack of top-end talent. John Wall is a superstar, but Bradley Beal isn't on that level, and Paul Pierce has faded from it in recent seasons. In an era where "Big Three" groups reign supreme, Washington seems a little short at this point.
Moving to the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs are a logical connection: a definite title contender where a savvy veteran like Allen can slide in with ease and be a good fit for one of the model organizations in sports. Yet, the concern there would be playing time.
The guard is unlikely to play extensive minutes regardless of where he lands. But San Antonio already has Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Marco Belinelli fighting for minutes at the two. Kyle Anderson is also starting to show signs of progress and could enter the conversation as well.
That brings us to the most intriguing team on the list: the Golden State Warriors. Their connection to Allen was confirmed by general manager Bob Myers, as noted by Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group:
The Warriors have two stars in Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. While they lack the aforementioned third marquee player, their terrific depth makes up for it. And it's a group that will become even more potent once David Lee makes his return.
Allen could immediately slide into the rotation ahead of Brandon Rush. Take a few minutes away from each of the other players in the backcourt reserve group, and he could be ticketed for an ideal 18-20 minutes per contest. Depending on his play, it could bump up further come playoff time.
All told, the Cavaliers represent the safe choice for Allen. He knows they'll be in the championship mix barring an injury to LeBron, and they play in the weaker overall conference. He would also likely step into a pretty-defined role.
Yet, it's hard not to get fascinated by what he could bring to the Warriors.
They have showcased their talent during a 20-2 start. Adding another pure shooter of Allen's caliber would make the nightmare opposing defenses already face even tougher to wake up from. And his veteran presence would certainly help a team filled with young stars.
It all makes for an interesting situation to watch, even if a final decision is a couple months away.
