Ray Allen is being linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the Cavs are not the only team that has already expressed interest in the veteran shooting guard as he confirmed that he also talked to his former coach, Doc Rivers.
In an interview with the Boston Herald, Allen, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, revealed that Rivers, the coach and president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Clippers, has approached him earlier this summer.
"A lot have called. Doc called earlier in the summer," Allen said.
Allen, who is also considering retirement, developed a close relationship with Rivers during their five seasons together in Boston before the sweet-shooting veteran decided to move to the Miami Heat.
But while several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Allen, the 39-year-old shooting guard said that he will still strongly consider the financial details of all offers, saying that he will gauge whether or not the offer is enough for him to consider returning next season.
"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. I have to take that into consideration, if it's worth putting my body through what it will take over 82 games," Allen said.
But when asked about the possible length of contract that he will consider, the 18-year veteran insisted that he is not yet thinking about it, admitting that he is still unsure whether he still has what it takes to last for another season or two in the league.
"I haven't even made it that far. I said this even when I was in Boston. I was on borrowed time," Allen admitted. "Knowing the guys I came in with, and even some after me who were out of the league, I felt blessed to still be doing it. I'm still wanted by the people I play with, still feared by the ones I play against, and feared by other teams that may want to have me on their side."
Allen averaged a career-low 9.6 points to go along with 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 73 games with the Miami Heat last season.
