Ray Allen received the royal treatment during his visit to the Miami Heat, but left the city without giving the newly crowned champions an answer on their contract offer. Allen, the NBA’s all-time leading three-point shooter, did not sign because he is torn between staying with the Boston Celtics and moving on to the Heat.
Allen had an afternoon meeting with Heat president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra, then went to dinner with them and other members of the team’s front office. The Heat offered Allen their mid-level exception, which starts at $3.09 million per season — or half of the Celtics’ offer of $6 million per year for two years. The most the Heat could offer is three years and $9.5 million.
Meanwhile, a third team — the Minnesota Timberwolves – has not been ruled out as an alternative for Allen, though he isn’t at the top of the Wolves’ wish list at the moment, sources told ESPN The Magazine.
Another source said Allen has not ruled out joining Phoenix or Memphis, two other teams that have expressed interest in him.
Allen is not sure if he should break up Boston’s Big 3 of he, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett or join Miami’s top-ranked trio, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
The Celtics, sources said, have their own plan for incorporating Allen into a different role that includes playing him alongside Jason Terry, who committed to sign with the Celtics earlier this week. The Boston Herald reported that Boston also has offered to include a no-trade clause in Allen’s contract, something the Heat cannot offer.
Meanwhile, according to reports, the Heat will meet with free agents Rashared Lewis and Marcus Camby.
