Two-time NBA champion shooting guard Ray Allen is reportedly set on an NBA return and the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks are rumored to be his possible destinations next season.
ESPN reported that the 10-time All-Star "is seriously considering an NBA comeback" this coming season and had mentioned the Celtics, Bucks, and Knicks are trying to recruit him this summer.
"I would love going back to those places if it worked out," said Allen, referring about the possibility of rejoining his old NBA clubs Celtics and Bucks. "Because both teams are good, too. It doesn't necessarily have to be championship-or-bust for me to go back to the NBA."
"I want to be in a situation where I thought I could help, play a little bit and help where they have good young talent," he added.
Allen, who turned 41 last month, last played in the league during the 2013-2014 season with then defending champions Miami Heat. He averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 26.5 minutes per game in 73 games for head coach Erik Spoelstra during that time.
The former Connecticut standout was the fifth pick of the 1996 NBA Draft and had won two NBA titles. The first one was with the Celtics in 2008, alongside Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, while the second was with the Heat in 2013.
Meanwhile, the report said that the Knicks are also luring him to the Madison Square Garden next season with film director and Knicks fan Spike Lee leading the recruitment charge.
Lee had famously directed Allen in the 1998 sports drama film "He Got Game" together with Denzel Washington. Allen starred as Jesus Shuttlesworth, the son of convicted felon Jake Shuttlesworth played by Washington, who was a top basketball player in the US and is being recruited by big-name college universities.
"Spike Lee has been trying to recruit me," admitted Allen. "We've been texting."
Head coach Jeff Hornacek's team has 14 players in its roster at the moment and they need one more to complete the NBA's allowable limit. The 18-year veteran could claim the 15th spot for the league's veteran's minimum deal if he wants to.
Fansided noted that the biggest hindrance to Allen's potential NBA comeback would be his physical fitness as it remains to be seen "whether or not his body will still be able to take the grind of an 82-plus game schedule".
