Ray Allen will decide on his future after the All-Star break

Ten-time All-Star Ray Allen is 39 years old and will turn 40 shortly after the NBA Finals.

Free agent shooting guard Ray Allen may not stay a free agent for very long. The All-Star sharpshooter is being pursued by a number of competitive NBA teams looking to gain an advantage when the playoffs roll around.

From Brian Windhorst at ESPN:

"Allen, 39, still has not decided whether he wants to return for a 19th season but has been keeping in shape and doing on-court work to keep his options open. Additionally, Allen has been in contact with teams to explore his possibilities and may take meetings during the upcoming All-Star break.The [Cleveland Cavaliers] have left a roster spot open for the past month, ostensibly saving it for Allen. They have been confident they will be his choice if he returns because of his close relationships with former [Miami] Heat teammates LeBron James, Mike Miller and James Jones, who are now with the Cavs."

Allen is also being pursued by the Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks along with the Cavs and the Heat.

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Allen spent the first twelve years of his career split between playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Seattle Supersonics, never appearing in the NBA Finals. He was signed by the Boston Celtics in 2007 to form the “Big Three” along with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, and won his first NBA title later that season.

During his last years in Boston as well as his time in Miami, Allen has transitioned from being an important centerpiece to now performing as a superb role player. Teams are hoping that Allen can provide elite outside scoring and more floor spacing as they head into the grind of the playoffs.

For the Hawks and the Warriors this would be a case of the rich getting richer, as neither team truly needs the skills Allen provides. Atlanta, in particular, is performing at such a high cut above the rest of the Eastern Conference that adding anyone to the mix may only end up having a marginal effect on how they work in the playoffs.

In Cleveland, on the other hand, Allen’s addition could help further ignite a team that has begun to hit its stride. Allen can bring more perimeter shooting to aid penetration from James and Kyrie Irving, and he would no doubt act as a valuable shooter on the court during tight late game situations.

If any team can pry Ray Allen from de facto retirement, they have an asset that could likely join them deep into the playoffs.

[H/T: ESPN]

Ten-time All-Star Ray Allen is 39 years old and will turn 40 shortly after the NBA Finals.

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