The greatest three-point shooter of all time is still undecided in mid-December. Teams are now 20+ games into the regular season and the playoff bound ones are working some kinks as the season progresses. At 39 years of age, Ray Allen, who has connected on 2973 career three-pointers, the most in NBA history, is said to be undecided on a team he would like to join and will continue to be until around February. As of mid-December, it looks as though Allen’s decision is going to be at least a month and a half away, so all teams can do is play well, try to progress as the season goes on, and hope that Allen sees them as a good fit come playoff time.
Here are a couple teams that have shown significant interest and progress in landing Allen, from the teams with the highest chance to the teams with the lowest, and why:
See which team has the highest chance to land Ray Allen on the next page!
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are in win-now mode as shown by their acquisition of Kevin Love for two number 1 overall picks. Allen has repeatedly mentioned his wanting to be on a contending team, and who better to join than LeBron James, Mike Miller, and James Jones. All three are proven champions who won together and often in Miami. The Cavs rank 14th in three-point percentage at 35.9% and could use someone of Allen’s skill set.
Hearing Ray Allen is telling teams “talk to me in January” will make a decision in February. Cavs still the favorite.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) December 5, 2014
See which teams are contending with the Cavs for Ray Allen on the next page!
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors, who have been solid defensively this season, are reportedly also trying to add Ray Allen to their team and give them a 3rd “Splash Brother” alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Right now, it seems as if the Warriors have enough offense at that position and not enough minutes to give around, but in a tough Western Conference, having more is never a bad thing. It’s just a matter of playing time and whether or not Allen will be okay with sitting out on occasion.
GM Bob Myers told 95.7 The Game the Warriors did reach out to Ray Allen’s representatives. “It’s uncertain as to what Ray wants to do.”
— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) December 11, 2014
Bob Myers to 95.7 on Ray Allen possibility: “Here’s the problem: We dont have enough minutes as it is so it’s just a question of chemistry.”
— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) December 11, 2014
Continue to the next page!
Miami Heat
The team he went with to the Finals for 2 consecutive years in the Miami Heat are also still in the hunt for Allen, who has always stated his love for the city of Miami and how he enjoyed his time in his stint with the Heat. He’s had great times in South Beach:
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are looking for a legitimate backup for Bradley Beal, who is only 21 years old. Allen may very well be that backup player as he will likely be finding himself playing down the stretch in small lineups. He also would be joining Paul Pierce once again; the two won a championship under Doc Rivers as members of the Boston Celtics.
Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers has maintained that he would love to have Allen on his team, as he is one of the smartest and most coachable guys he’s ever had under his wing. That being said, the Clippers are fairly stacked at the shooting guard position with J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford, Reggie Bullock, and C.J. Wilcox. With an uncertain amount of playing time, this might now be the best fit for Allen.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have also expressed interest in signing Allen, and although they will be contenders and possible champions, Allen is also looking for playing time, which is something the Spurs cannot guarantee him. They are coasting through the West as usual under Gregg Popovich, so they may not even need him. That said, the Spurs will never forget what Allen is capable of:
Chicago Bulls
After chasing Allen at the start of the season, there has been very little proof to suggest that Chicago has any continued interest in Ray Allen. They have always needed a knock down shooter on their team, but with the uprising of Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy playing well, and Doug McDermott also starting to get a feel for the NBA, the Bulls seem to be just about out of the Ray Allen sweepstakes.