Maybe its time to start considering life without Ray Allen. The Celtics appear to be shopping him.
The Celtics have initiated trade proposals on Allen, multiple league sources say, and Boston is searching for a younger, less expensive guard and an expiring contract. This way they can find a replacement for the 34-year-old Allen without losing him and his $20 million expiring contract for nothing in free agency this summer. Only, there isn’t a shooting guard available who’s Allen’s peer. This threatens a perilous choice between transitioning for the future and refusing to compromise a chance to win a title now.Allen is privately resigned to the fact that it’s unlikely the Celtics will want to re-sign him this summer. He’s believed to be intrigued with the possibility of joining the Miami Heat or staying close to his Connecticut home and signing with the New York Knicks. Nevertheless, Allen wants to stay a Celtic and that’s never wavered. Yet the sheer economics make it improbable unless he’s willing to cost himself several million dollars next year.
My emotional side doesn't want to see Ray go. His 39.5% shooting in December and 31.9% shooting in January make me think we have no choice. His shot is horribly off. Too off. This is more than a slump.
This is the hard part about being a fan and the impossible part about being a GM. So many of us love Ray. He's a lovable guy. I don't want Ray to go away... but he might have to.
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