Add Clippers, Grizzlies to list of teams interested in Ray Allen

Ray Allen has options.

He’s in Miami right now, spending time with his family and golfing, probably throwing in some holiday shopping. He’s also staying in shape, keeping that beautiful jump shot tuned up, and is expected to decide sometime after the first of the year if he wants to return to the NBA and make a run at another ring. However, there is no timetable for a decision his agent Jim Tanner confirmed again to Shams Charania of RealGM.

If he returns Cleveland has long been considered the front runner as Allen would only come back to chase a ring and could pair with his Miami friend LeBron James. But there are plenty of other teams out there interested. First Saturday came this tweet from Jordan Shultz of the Huffington Post and NBC Sports Radio:

Hearing Ray Allen is taking his time between Golden State, Cleveland, Washington, San Antonio and Chicago. No rush.

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 13, 2014

But there are others interested as well. Starting with Allen’s old coach Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers, reports Dan Woike of the Orange County Register.

“I think in two or three weeks, he’ll start thinking about teams. I don’t think right know he is. I think he wants to get through the holidays,” he said of Allen’s process. “…I think he’s doing the right thing, honestly. He’s earned this right, to look at the teams and say, ‘I fit here,’ and jump if he wants to do that.”

Shams Charania of RealGM added that the Grizzlies would like to be in the mix (and they could certainly use the outside shooting).

Allen is likely thinking about things now, but there is no pressure or timetable. He’s a retired free agent, he can come back whenever he wants. Wherever he wants. So he can get in a few more rounds of golf in a nice, warm climate and let things play out a little then make is call.

But I’d still bet on Cleveland.