Ray Allen has reportedly informed the handful of teams still vying for his services he won’t be signing with any team before January.
The 39-year-old veteran sharpshooter remains a free agent and has reportedly attracted attention from such playoff bound teams as the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies.
The Cavs and LeBron James have long been considered the favorites to secure Allen’s services, what with him and James having won a title together during their time in Miami. Still, Allen recently created a frenetic scene in Chicago when he was spotted all across town and rumored to have met with top team officials about perhaps joining the Bulls.
“I think part of it is because he wants to spend time with his family and wants to save his body for the end of the season and a playoff run,” BasketballInsiders.com Alex Kennedy recently wrote of Allen’s reserved pace in making his decision. “I think a big part of it is wanting to ensure that he’s joining a team with a legitimate chance to win a championship.”
A ten-time All-Star, Allen is the NBA’s all-time leader in both three-point field goals made and attempted during the regular season. He also rates as the league’s all-time leader in made three pointers for the post season.
In addition to the title he won with James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach, Allen was also a central character in the Boston Celtics’ Big 3 that also included Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. The trio earned a title together in 2008.
Allen secured his folklore status in 1998 by starring as Jesus Shuttlesworth alongside Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s iconic, cult film He Got Game.
Allen has averaged at least 21 point nine times in his career, with his best season coming with the Seattle supersonics in 2007-08 when he averaged 26.4 points and 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
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