NBA Free Agents 2014 Rumors: Ray Allen Not a Lock to Sign With the Cleveland Cavaliers
Multiple reports previously indicated that Ray Allen is strongly considering signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the veteran shooting guard played down all speculations about his future.
Allen, an unrestricted free agent this summer, is being linked to the Cavaliers because of his relationship with LeBron James and James Jones, who both moved to Cleveland from the Miami Heat this summer.
But in an interview with the Boston Herald, Allen insisted that James and Jones have not made any move to convince him to sign with the Cavaliers.
"There's so much speculation about me going to Cleveland. I haven't even decided where I will play," Allen said. "Obviously LeBron and I are great friends, and James Jones and I are really close. But at no point have those two tried to push me in that direction. I haven't had that conversation."
Allen, who averaged 9.6 points to go along with 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists with the Heat last season, also denied that he reached the point where he is already leaning towards moving to Cleveland, saying that he was focused in gauging his body over the past several months.
"It's just what they start talking about on TV -- where I'm supposed to go. I have not leaned towards Cleveland," Allen said. "I have not made any mention of going to Cleveland. These last two months were about me physically, and deciding whether I want to play again."
The 39-year-old veteran, who has a career average of 18.9 points and 4.1 rebounds, also confirmed that several teams have contacted him since the free agency period started, including the Los Angeles Clippers through coach and president of basketball operations, Doc Rivers.
"A lot have called. Doc called earlier in the summer," said Allen, who spent five seasons together with Rivers in Boston from 2007-2012 before moving to Miami before the 2012-13 NBA season.
The 18-year veteran insisted, though, that money would still be a factor in making his decision this summer.
"A lot of teams want to be able to get me at the veteran's minimum. I still have an ego, too. I still have a service to provide, and teams still have to pay me what I feel my presence is worth," Allen said. "I have to take that into consideration, if it's worth putting my body through what it will take over 82 games."
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