Ray Allen has yet to announce his intentions for 2014. The veteran guard still has the health to play another few years in the NBA, but he has the family desires to retire. There is plenty of interest surrounding the leading 3-point shooter in the league as he toys with the idea of signing on for at least one more season. In no hurry to make his mind up, Allen is getting pulled in several directions.
Other veterans have already announced their intentions to play a few more years. Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are all coming back in 2014. However, Allen is not sure if he will do the same. The free agent guard sounded reluctant to head back to the court as plenty of teams ring his phone with a contract offer.
"I always say when you play in sports, there are two things that happen to you. You get so tired of it that you let go; you say 'I don't have to work out anymore, I don't have anybody hovering over me making sure my body fat is a certain way or saying I have to run suicides," Allen said, via The Courant. "And then there are those that afterwards you take it to the next level because you've learned so many valuable things. I think I have learned so much having a son with diabetes; I've always been a pretty good leader, that dials it in even more. I see such a great future in helping other people with their health to improve who they are and making a difference that way."
Allen is busy weighing the pros and cons of coming back to play another. He notes that he is in great shape so it would not be hard on his body to keep playing, but he also likes the idea of committing to be a family man full-time. According to the Boston Herald, the only way Allen returns is if he signs with a team that is likely going to have a chance at winning a championship in the upcoming season. The Los Angeles Clippers certainly meet that criteria.
The Globe continues its report stating the Los Angeles Clippers have contact Allen about a potential contract in 2014. Head coach Doc Rivers likes the idea of reuniting with his former guard. Allen confirms he has spoken with Rivers, but says that most teams simply want to pay him the veteran's minimum and he believes he is worth more than that. He is uncertain if it is worth playing another 82 games for the minimum.
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to push for a deal with Allen as LeBron James, Mike Miller and James Jones push for the veteran to join to second-coming of South Beach in Ohio. Allen has heard all of the sales pitches, but this decision could come down to money in the end.
