Having reached an agreement with Kevin Garnett to bring him back to Boston, the Celtics have turned their attentions to another one of their veteran free agents — Ray Allen. According to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, GM Danny Ainge called re-signing Allen his "number one priority" with free agency underway.
"We want Ray back, and we’re approaching this as the first thing we have to get done," Ainge said.
Despite an injury-plagued 2011/12 campaign, Allen seems to be a popular target this summer. The Grizzlies are reportedly willing to offer Allen their full mid-level exception, while the Heat have made signing the veteran a top priority as well.
However, while those teams are limited to their mid-levels ($3.09MM for Miami and $5MM for Memphis), the Celtics hold Allen's Bird Rights and can make him a more substantial offer. And according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, Boston plans to do just that. Broussard tweets that the C's are willing to double the annual salary Miami could pay, offering a two-year, $12MM deal to the 36-year-old.
If their pursuit of Allen doesn't pan out, the Celtics are targeting a number of other shooting guards, including Jason Terry, O.J. Mayo, and more.
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ray allen is my idol 4ever…your the best player and the 3pointer