Allen only considering playing for a title contender next season…
NBA veteran Ray Allen is understood to be set to continue his playing career next season, with the Cleveland Cavaliers the front-runners for his signature.
The 10-time All-Star has yet to officially decide where he will play, but according to ESPN sources close to the situation, it is likely that he will return but only for a title contender.
Cleveland have been linked with a move in recent weeks, particularly after LeBron James returned to the franchise and it is believed that he has discussed the possibility of a reunion with Allen after they spent two years together with the Miami Heat.
The 39-year-old averaged 9.6 points while shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range last season as he helped the Heat get to the NBA Finals where they were prevented from a third consecutive title by the San Antonio Spurs.
The former Boston Celtics star wrote his name into franchise folklore the previous year with his stunning 3-point shot in Game 6 of the Finals swinging the momentum back into the Heat’s favour as they went on to claim back-to-back titles.
However, Allen showed enough during the course of the season just gone to suggest that he still has plenty left to offer off the bench, but ultimately he will only return if an opportunity presents itself in which he has a genuine chance of winning another championship.
“It’s August and I don’t want to rush to judgment,” Allen said, ESPN reports.
“I want to get to September and see how I really feel.”
Nearly all contenders ahead of next season would undoubtedly be interested in adding the veteran to their roster, but with James, Mike Miller and James Jones all reuniting in Cleveland, it would appear that the Cavs would be the most likely destination.
However, that much is unclear at this early stage, but the suggestion that Allen will continue to play the game is a welcome one.
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