Ray Allen Says He Hasn't Spoken to Rajon Rondo, Defends Leaving Celtics for Heat

Ray Allen appeared on ESPN's First Take on Thursday to discuss his departure from the Boston Celtics and bad blood with former teammate Rajon Rondo.

As seen in the following video of the interview, Allen chalked up his choice to leave Boston as a business decision:

Allen's interview came in conjunction with the release of his book entitled From the Outside: My Journey Through Life and the Game I Love.

The future Hall of Famer said the "writing was on the wall" with regard to the Celtics not bringing him back, which is why he signed a free-agent deal with the Miami Heat in 2012.

Allen said that he, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce planned to retire together in Boston, however, his contract didn't get done over the course of the 2011-12 season.

While he was aware that he would have to take a pay cut, he felt the Celtics were unwilling to give him what he wanted despite being able to do so.

Allen said the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Heat all pursued him in free agency, and he ultimately signed with Miami.

The 10-time All-Star told Stephen A. Smith that his decision wasn't personal, and he signed with the Heat because he felt they gave him the best opportunity to win.

That was proved true, as he won a championship as a member of the Heat in 2013 after winning one with the Celtics in 2008.

With regard to Rondo, Allen said that he hasn't spoken to the now-New Orleans Pelicans point guard.

Rondo spoke out against Allen after excerpts from Allen's book that painted Rondo in a negative light were released.

On March 18, Rondo told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe:

"Obviously, [Allen] is hurting. I don't know if it's financially, I don't know if it's mentally. He wants to stay relevant. I am who I am. I don't try to be something I'm not. I can't say the same for him. He's looking for attention. I'm a better human being than that. I take accountability for my actions. Certain [stuff] happens in my life, I man up. But he has a whole other agenda."

Allen's relationship with former teammates such as Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce has been virtually nonexistent since he left Boston to sign with Miami.

Allen made it clear on First Take that his decision had nothing to do with trying to spurn his teammates and everything to do with exercising his right to test the market as a free agent.