Ray Allen has yet to decide about his future, creating speculation that the veteran shooting guard might still consider signing with other teams instead of joining LeBron James in Cleveland.
Most NBA analysts are still convinced that Allen will eventually decide to sign with the Cavaliers. But will the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls spoil the rumored reunion of Allen and James in Cleveland?
The Heat are surprisingly playing well this season despite losing James this off season. But when asked if Allen will consider signing with the Heat, Ira Winderman of Sun Sentinel said that he can't see the sharp-shooting guard returning to South Beach this season.
"I would consider it the longest of longshots that Ray would return," Winderman wrote. "I think he's just waiting to see how the situation sorts itself out in Cleveland (or with the Clippers?), as well as waiting for some of the grueling stretches of the schedule to pass."
Winderman also pointed out that Allen is closer to James and James Jones than the players who opted to remain with the Heat like Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Chris Andersen.
The Bulls, on the other hand, have also made it no secret that they are open to acquiring the 39-year-old superstar as reports indicated that team executives have remain in contact with the former Connecticut standout.
According to Rob Goldberg of Bleacher Report, the Bulls have a good chance to edge the Cavaliers in the race to acquire Allen this season, considering the fact that Chicago's roster is more balanced than Cleveland's lineup.
"He would be joining an elite squad that already has the pieces in place to win a championship whether he plays or not," Goldberg said of Allen signing with the Bulls. "This type of upside without much pressure would be very appealing for a player in his position. Additionally, Allen would be placed in a perfect position to succeed on an offense that really knows how to move the ball."
Aside from the Heat and Bulls, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly join the Cavaliers in the race to sign Allen, who recently said that he is monitoring several teams and will likely wait until early next year to decide if he will play for another season or retire for good.
