The Boston Celtics have not given up their pursuit of free-agent guard Ray Allen. Despite recent reports that his top two choices are the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, the Celtics are in the picture, offering a two-year contract worth $12 million. To improve their offer, there's talk of the Celtics throwing in a no-trade clause or at least a trade kicker, according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
Ray Allen Rumors: Celtics May Offer Him No-Trade Clause, According To Report
A full no-trade clause is very rare in the NBA, with only Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki possessing them. A trade kicker, which tacks on a salary jump in the event that a player is dealt, is slightly more common, though it's become less common since the lockout. The Celtics are willing to go to these steps because they believe Allen's skills are complimentary to newcomer Jason Terry's, according to Bulpett.
The Clippers could offer Allen the full mid-level exception, while the Heat are limited to offering him a three-year, $9 million deal.
For more on the Clippers and the Heat, check out the SB Nation blogs Clips Nation and Peninsula Is Mightier. For more on Allen’s negotiations with the Celtics, head over to CelticsBlog.
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