Miami Heat guard Ray Allen wants to take a few days to consider his future, but it will also take at least that long to clear his head following his team's loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Allen didn't indicate which way he's leaning following the Heat's Game 5 loss to the Spurs, but it's certain that retirement is an option the 38-year-old will consider.
Ray Allen mulling retirement after NBA Finals loss
The Miami Heat veteran will take a few days to determine whether his playing career is done with.
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The 18-year NBA vet said he will take the next few days to see where his “true heart lies,” reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“I’ve had a great career, I’m content with what I’ve done,” Allen said.
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“One thing is for certain, to [make retirement decision] on my terms is the most important thing. Whether that is me retiring, staying here or going somewhere else it will be on my terms. I’ve made it to this point and I felt great that I have the choice to make it for myself.”
Allen averaged 26.5 minutes per game in 73 games played during the regular season, and neither statistic saw much drop-off during the postseason. Though Allen's shooting percentages did fall from 44 percent to 41 percent, he provided a small lift for LeBron James and Co. by not tailing off in the NBA Finals.
A free-agent-to-be, it's unclear what Allen's role would be on a Miami squad that faces enough questions about its roster even if the Big Three of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh re-sign or don't exercise their early termination options, as expected.
Center Chris Andersen reportedly will not pick up his player option and Udonis Haslem has an option as well, but only Norris Cole remains locked into a contract following this season. Forward Shane Battier already announced his retirement, and in general Miami will have a lot of holes to fill this offseason.
Allen, who has more three-pointers makes than any player in NBA playoff history, made $3.2 million this past year and would likely take a pay cut if he were to return for another title chase. It’s not unreasonable to expect that Allen would take a smaller contract to re-sign with the Heat, but the dominos won’t start falling until the Big Three make their decision.
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