Ray Allen: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent SG
As championship contenders look to stockpile their benches with low-cost veterans, Ray Allen has emerged as a potential option after a two-year absence from the NBA.
Continue for updates.
Potential Landing Spots for Allen
Tuesday, Aug. 9
Former NBA player Greg Anthony spoke with Bleacher Report's Adam Lefkoe about the potential destinations for Allen:
Allen Comments on Comeback Aspirations
Saturday, Aug. 6
"My decision is predicated on what is available," Allen said, per Dom Amore of the Hartford Courant. "I said that I was interested because I never retired for a reason. I've been watching, seeing what teams have been doing and I've been waiting to see if the opportunity presented itself where I think I could fit."
Allen spoke on the Knicks as a potential destination, saying, "Spike Lee has been trying to recruit me. We've been texting," per Amore.
Allen also spoke about potentially returning to the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks, per Amore:
"I would love going back to those places if it worked out, because both teams are good, too. It doesn't necessarily have to be championship-or-bust for me to go back to the NBA.
I want to be in a situation where I thought I could help, play a little bit and help where they have good young talent.
"
Cavaliers, Allen Reportedly Mutually Interested
Wednesday, July 6
Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reported Allen's representatives "reached out" to the Cleveland Cavaliers to let the franchise know the shooting guard "is anticipating a return to basketball." Haynes reported "the interest is mutual," citing a league source.
Chris Broussard of ESPN.com first reported Allen's interest in the Cavaliers.
Spurs, Clippers Reportedly on Allen's List
Wednesday, July 6
Broussard reported Allen would "consider" the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers if he decides to come back.
Warriors Uncertain on Allen Despite SG's Interest in Comeback
Wednesday, July 6
Broussard reported the Golden State Warriors are "unsure" they want to pursue Allen. However, Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders later reported the Warriors "have pushed for...a comeback since 2014," adding that Golden State "likely calls" Allen.
Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday that Allen is on a list of potential targets with point guard Mario Chalmers and center Kendrick Perkins.
The Warriors' interest in bringing the future Hall of Famer aboard is not new. General manager Bob Myers first revealed that he contacted Allen's agent in December 2014. The Heat also had an offer on the table for Allen this past season, but he did not bite, per the Miami Herald's Ethan J. Skolnick.
If there was ever a situation that could coax Allen back, it's the one Golden State is in. The Warriors now boast four players (Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson) who made All-NBA teams last season. Durant and Curry hold a three-year combined reign on the NBA's Most Valuable Player award. Andre Iguodala, the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, is suddenly the fifth-best player on his own team.
Allen's NBA Future Remains Unclear
Allen, while not officially retired, has sat out each of the last two NBA seasons. He last played for the Miami Heat in 2013-14, averaging 9.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game as Dwyane Wade's primary backup.
It's unclear what level of interest Allen has in returning to the floor. His public comments have been few and far between over the last two years, but it's clear he hasn't shut the door on a return.
"I haven't said anything about that, and I won't officially retire," Allen said last August, per Amore. "Because if something came to the table, contractually and situationally, I want to be able to take a strong look at it. I don't want to be that guy that says he's retiring and then is coming back."
How much Allen has left in the tank as he approaches 41 is a question a potential suitor would need to find the answer to before pursuing the former superstar.
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