After the NBA All-Star weekend wraps up, all eyes with shift to Ray Allen and his potential return to the NBA. When the guard opted not to sign anywhere prior to the 2014-15 season beginning, most assumed that he was preparing a return mid-way through the year to a title-contending team. Those assumptions appear to be right, but where does the former Miami Heat star go in order to try and get one more ring on his finger?
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, Allen is prepared to make a decision about his future after the All-Star break as many believe the guard will make a comeback into the NBA once again. Allen never officially announced his retirement after he became a free agent following the Heat's loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. He has reportedly been down in Miami working out and staying in basketball shape while determining if a return is in the cards. Many teams believe the veteran will play again this season and have already started recruiting him to the roster.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the assumed frontrunners ever since LeBron James "came home" in free agency. He also brought part of South Beach with him when the team signed Mike Miller and James Jones. All three players have been in contact with Allen, trying to pull him to Cleveland for the second-half of the season. According to Windhorst, the Cavaliers are starting to fall out of contention for Allen simply because they are a bad fit for the guard.
The Cavaliers are rotating eight men at the moment and Allen's minutes would be nowhere near what he would like. Cleveland finally has the chemistry they need to win games and Allen simply might not fit in moving forward. However, playing less minutes to win a title could be intriguing for Allen.
The Atlanta Hawks could be the best fit for Allen and the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported they already contacted Allen's camp about a potential contract. The Hawks would be a solid fit for the guard as they thrive off perimeter shooting and the long ball. That is Allen's specialty and he would get plenty of playing time. Atlanta cleared a roster spot on Tuesday and Allen could sub right in. The Spurs are also an option for the veteran and would be a good fit. The question is how much money they offer. All signs point to Allen returning, now teams must try to win the bidding war.
