If Ray leaves to the Heat, just business ?

[bfrombleacher]

He said he wanted the money. So probably not the Heat or the Knicks?

[Bankshot]

If Ray wants money I don't think he will go to Miami.  And why would we help Miami with a sign & trade?  If Ray wants to start, he also won't be going to Miami or to a contender.  The only reason I see him leaving the Celtics is money, because he won't be starting for a contender anyway.  I don't know why a 36 year old who can barely defend would insist on starting.

[pearljammer10]

Why wouldnt he go to Miami? With James and Wade penetrating and getting quadruple team he would be free to have shooting practice from the outside every game. It would be very beneficial to him and would also be extremely beneficial to the Heat.

[bfrombleacher]

Well, here's where I think I and everyone else got their info from:

http://www.celticsblog.com/2012/4/20/2962029/ray-allen-not-sure-about-future-with-celtics

"The landscape always changes over the summer. Just from what I see around the NBA, there’s a lot of teams that look forward to having me. I just want to be somewhere where I’m valued, cherished and I can go out and play."

I think that's just him being professional and giving a politically correct answer.

When asked if he'd be willing to take a one year deal at an average salary, he "paused and grimaced" before answering that he wanted more stability for his family and had to be "greedy" for their sakes. Can't say that I would blame him.

I'm surprised most skipped over this part and went with the "valued, cherished" part (which, to be frank, is a whole load of crap in my opinion). I think he wants a long term deal where he gets good money.

I don't think, therefore, he's going to Miami or NY. But if he does, I wouldn't blame Ray for it. He, like KG and Pierce, has done all the right things.

But I would hate the world even more for having another good man turn evil

[GroverTheClover]

Ray can go where ever he pleases. I'd love for him to stay in Boston for reasonable money but if he leaves, he'll still get a hand from me.

[Cman]

Ray can go where ever he pleases. I'd love for him to stay in Boston for reasonable money but if he leaves, he'll still get a hand from me.

Ditto. And wherever he goes, it will mostly be about money. This will be his last contract in the NBA.

[Brendan]

Not a Celtic lifer, so I can live with it. He was always on borrowed time here, either because our window would close, he'd get old, or both.

He should be a lock for a standing-o on return though.

[BballTim]

Ray can go where ever he pleases. I'd love for him to stay in Boston for reasonable money but if he leaves, he'll still get a hand from me.

Ditto. And wherever he goes, it will mostly be about money. This will be his last contract in the NBA.

  I actually think it will be more about how big a role he has on the team than money.

[Who]

I expect Ray to stay in Boston. I think Boston will be his first option and will re-sign so long as Danny makes a competitive offer.

The stability of it on and off the court (for him and his family), having been apart of a great team and enjoyed great success here which I think will have a big pull, staying with the guys who he fought alongside and won a Championship with, a roster that can still be a title contender if Danny brings the band back for (at least) one more run.

I think it'll be difficult for Ray to walk away from that and that he'll only do so if Danny slights him. So, that brings us to the other option, if Danny doesn't make a competitive offer then I think Ray will look elsewhere.

But Danny seems to really value Ray quite highly so I'd be very surprised if he didn't make Ray a good offer.

[Fred Roberts]

Ray WILL get PT in Boston if he's healthy and effective. He won't get a huge pay day anywhere. I think Boston is his best option by far.

[2short]

The Ray Allen that just played through the end of regular season and the playoffs with bone spurs in his ankles, averaged around 5 rebounds at game (at sg!) and took it like a man when his starting job was given to bradley....this is the guy who some posters are complaining about, getting ready to boo him etc etc

Are these the same people who want to trade rondo now that his value is high?  

If ray only wants to start then he is probably not going to be in Boston, I doubt he is looking for biggest paycheck more like a contender.  His services will be wanted by many teams, not sure how many as a starter though.  I for one will be giving him a standing ovation if he comes back to the garden in a color that isn't green.

[SHAQATTACK]

I want him to stay , but that said ...I think he'll leave.  For two reasons first , he sees his playing time probally deminished and second he wants more money than I'll think DA will pay.  DA has his sights set on bigger fish mainly KG and Bass .  And I think DA will be cocked and ready with his cap space and all other assets to LAND a vet big man to help KG.
MArcus Camby maybe

[OsirusCeltics]

Bill Simmons appeared on ESPN First Take and was confident Ray was leaving the Celtics
Said "Oh please, Ray is gone. Did you see at the end of game 7 when they lost congratulating the Heat? He was basically handing out his resume"

[fairweatherfan06]

Maybe he leaves but I doubt its Miami, in fact I'd bet only the Clippers could do it.  2 yeaars ago Ray was a free agent (the Summer of the Decision) and Lebron James was calling him personally trying to get him to come to Miami...he chose Boston. I don't see the difference except now they have less money available and minutes than they did then.  Makes ZERO sense especially if he has to uproot his family to do so.

[Eddie20]

Bill Simmons appeared on ESPN First Take and was confident Ray was leaving the Celtics
Said "Oh please, Ray is gone. Did you see at the end of game 7 when they lost congratulating the Heat? He was basically handing out his resume"

Bill Simmons, the closet Clippers fan...those comments don't surprise me. I'm confident he wants his team to sign him.