Ainge: Ray Allen 'Open' To Celtics Return
BOSTON (CBS) - While a lot of the talk around Ray Allen has him joining the Miami Heat, the man who brought him to Boston on draft night five years ago thinks the veteran shooter could still return.
"I think Ray's open to coming back," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said from the team's practice facilities on Wednesday. "We've talked, so I have a feel of where his head is. I'll know more in July."
Ainge On Ray Allen:
"I have had conversations with Ray; not contract specific but about his hopes and future, what he thinks about this team, if he'd like to have him back," said Ainge. "I haven't had any specifics, and on July 1 we'll talk more with Ray."
Read: No News -- Or Deadline -- On Kevin Garnett
Allen is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after an up-and-down 2012 campaign with Boston. The soon-to-be 37-year-old is rumored to have many suitors, with the Heat, Clippers, Knicks and Celtics all vying for his services.
Read: Hard To Fault Ray Allen If He Leaves
Currently, the Celtics have just four players signed for next season. In addition to waiting on Allen, the Celtics are also waiting to hear from Kevin Garnett -- who will likely return to the Celtics or retire.
"Our team is unsettled," Ainge said. "I understand their position. They've worked hard, they've earned the right to be a free agent and explore opportunities. It's our job to try and keep them or find replacements."
