The Miami Heat are officially NBA Champions. They have hoisted the trophy. They have paraded down South Beach. Now the attention shifts to offseason moves. The Heat will have several big decisions to make come the 2014 offseason, but 2013 could still make headlines. Before Miami can worry about the contracts of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, they first must think about Ray Allen.
Allen has the option to opt out of the second year of his two-year contract he signed last offseason. He will make the decision this weekend whether or not he wants to test out free agency or stay on with the Heat for a chance to win a third-straight NBA title. Being the most prolific 3-point shooter in NBA history, he would certainly have plenty of options if he decides to leave.
Bringing back Allen is Miami's top offseason priority at this point. The 37-year-old played a key role in the championship run with the clutch 3-point buzzer beater in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, forcing San Antonio to play a Game 7. After a 17-year career in the league, Allen has proven he is still as productive as ever and players are doing all they can to keep him around.
"I put the bug in his ear in the shower after the game," Udonis Haslem said. "I told him, 'I'm not going to put not pressure on you. I'm not going to ask you what you're going to do. But just know that I'm thinking about what you're going to do.'"
Sadly, Haslem said Allen offered up no response. Miami would certainly like to keep the exact same roster in place for the 2013-14 season, but that may not be an option. Luxury-tax penalties could severely hurt their chances. The Heat will face a tax penalty that will range from $14 million to $28 million next season for excessively exceeding the league's cap in place
Head coach Erik Spoelstra will do everything he can to make sure Allen stays. He plans on giving the veteran a few days of space and rest before trying to convince him.
"We think the ultimate recruiting pitch is what we just did. But we won't take that for granted. There will certainly be communication between us and Ray. He was such an important piece of what we did. We think even if it was just that one shot, it was worth it. There were so many things that he provided. And he fit. His personality fit. His professionalism fit. He helped guys get better," Spoelstra said.
Chris Bosh is confident Allen returns. Along with the veteran, Chris Andersen is also set to be a free agent. He told fans on Monday he plans to return for a "three-peat next year."