NBA Rumors: Ray Allen Draws Interest From Hawks, Cavs, Warriors And Others
Ray Allen is mulling over his NBA future, deciding between multiple teams or a non-return, and will make a decision after All-Star Weekend, according to ESPN. Interested clubs include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers.
The veteran guard did not return for a 19th season after averaging 9.6 points and two assists while shooting 39 percent from behind the arc in 2013-2014. He has spent the first few months of the 2014-2015 season mulling his future.
Allen helped spread the floor in the Miami Heat's 2014 playoff run to the NBA Finals and is widely considered a valuable piece off the bench for a contending team. The 39-year-old provides a reliable shot from distance and is an experienced asset in the playoffs. It's been less than two years since he saved the Heat's 2013 title hopes with this classic game-typing shot.
The long list of contenders suiting Allen are hoping for the player who hit that shot. No player in history has made more three-pointers in the regular season (2,973) or playoffs (385) than Allen. That kind of consistency and accuracy is hard to find. Allen has been working out to stay ready for a comeback and may take meetings during the All-Star Break (Feb. 13-15) to further explore his options, according to the ESPN report.
The Cavaliers have left a roster spot open, presumably for Allen, and seem to be a frontrunner for his services. The Cavs have a trio of former-Allen teammates in LeBron James, Mike Miller and James Jones.
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution report suggested the Hawks are a more recent contender for Allen, reaching out to his representatives in the past week. Hawks swingman Thabo Sefolosha is out 6-8 weeks with a calf injury leaving a need for a shooter. The Hawks seem to be an attractive destination by having the best record in the league and a positional need.
The team with the second best record, the Golden State Warriors, are also apparently interested in Allen, although perhaps don't have as much of a need with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston, and Harrison Barnes on the roster.
It would also be interesting to see Allen join the Spurs, considering his playoff history against San Antonio. Allen hit the legendary, fade-away three-point shot to help beat the Spurs in 2013 and was part of the Heat team dominated by San Antonio in the 2014 Finals.
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