Report: Ray Allen leaning toward signing with LeBron James’ Cavaliers

Ray Allen said he plans to return from China later this week, get an MRI on his legs and then decide on his future.

But if you want to read between the lines, this sure sounds as if Allen – health permitting – has already made up his mind.

Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe:

NBA source tells Globe that Ray Allen is leaning toward returning for 19th season and joining LeBron James with #cavaliers

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) July 24, 2014

Allen is in remarkably good condition for a 39-year-old, but he’s also still 39. At some point, his body will prevent him from either playing at NBA level or to his personal standards. I’m not sure which threshold is lower.

However, if he plays next season, following LeBron James to Cleveland makes a lot of sense. Allen shot 40 percent on 3-pointers with LeBron on the court last season and 32 percent without LeBron.

If Allen is worried about declining, LeBron’s ability to attract opposing defenses sure would give Allen a nice buffer.