Free agent Allen to visit Heat, Clippers
Free agent guard Ray Allen plans to visit the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers later this week.
Allen, who helped get the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals this past season, will meet with the NBA champion Heat on Thursday and the Clippers on Friday, according to ESPN The Magazine.
Miami can only offer Allen the mini mid-level exception of just over $3 million a year.
The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly made an offer of the full mid-level exception worth about $5 million for two years to Allen. The Clippers can also offer Allen the full mid-level exception.
The Celtics, however, can re-sign Allen for up to a two-year, $12 million contract.
The Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves have also reportedly shown interest in Allen, who turns 37 this month.
The Heat could use Allen after shooting under 36 percent on threes this past season and might be the best fit. Mike Miller led the team at 45.3 percent but is considering his future plans as he is dealing with back and foot injuries.
Allen has made at least 100 3-pointers in 15 of his 16 NBA seasons, the exception being when he made 74 in the lockout-shortened 50-game schedule in 1998-99.
