2:47pm: Allen left Miami without giving the Heat an answer on their offer and is "torn" on whether to leave the Celtics, says Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. TNT's David Aldridge adds (via Twitter) that the Grizzlies and Timberwolves are still options, though Allen doesn't have plans to visit either team. I'd guess his decision comes down to Miami and Boston.
FRIDAY, 1:54pm: The Timberwolves are the "dark-horse" in the chase for Allen, tweets Ric Bucher of ESPN.com. As Bucher acknowledges though, Minnesota is an extreme long shot.
THURSDAY, 6:30pm: Allen is staying in Miami overnight as discussions with the Heat continue, reports Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press (on Twitter).
12:56pm: The Clippers are out of the running for Allen after reaching deals with Jamal Crawford and Chauncey Billups.
12:47pm: To alleviate Allen's concerns about potentially becoming a trade chip, the Celtics are prepared to include a no-trade clause or trade kicker in their offer, says Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
10:16am: Even though they've agreed to terms with Jason Terry, the Celtics are still interested in bringing back Ray Allen. However, it appears the Heat and Clippers are in the lead to sign the veteran shooter, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. Windhorst says LeBron James and Chris Paul are both actively recruiting Allen on behalf of their respective teams.
We heard earlier this week that Allen was scheduled to visit the Heat today and the Clippers tomorrow. Both teams have made the 36-year-old a priority in free agency, though neither club can offer as much as the Celtics can, barring a sign-and-trade. The Heat have the $3.09MM mini mid-level to offer, while the Clips have the full $5MM mid-level. The Celtics are said to be willing to offer two years and $12MM to bring back Allen. The Grizzlies have also expressed interest for their $5MM MLE.
Allen's decision, which Windhorst says might happen by the end of the week, could have a significant impact on the offseason's shooting guard carousel. The Clippers are also considered to be the frontrunners for Jamal Crawford, though he is still weighing his options, according to TNT's David Aldridge (Twitter link). You'd have to assume that the Clips can only sign Allen or Crawford, rather than both. Meanwhile, if the Celtics miss out on Allen, they're "strongly considering" a pursuit of Nick Young, says Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio (via Twitter).
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Anyone but the Heat.
I agree, but it would be a mistake to bring Ray back. Avery Bradley is only getting better. You put him and Rondo together and you have a deadly combo
the nba is a joke. so we have a few super teams and the rest of the nba teams are average.
I feel with the passed two drafts and the rebuilding of teams, this upcoming year will be much more competetive. And It will be interesting to see who makes the playoffs
Allen already has a ring, so I think the best fit for him would be to go to the Clippers and help them. They could also offer more money than the Heat.
No they can’t. See what happened yesterday when they signed Crawford and then re-signed Billups?
I posted that before they signed Crawford.
C’s should sign Mayo…
Allen going to knicks
Sign&trade for Norris Cole, if he has to go to Miami. Or sign&trade for Darko Milicic, if it’s Minnesota.
Norris Cole isn’t a bad option, Darko wouild be a terrible addition.
Im surprised the bulls havent contacted him. Bulls need a new sg