The Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James and Kevin Love have emerged as a new power house in the NBA while the Chicago Bulls with a deep roster and a healthy Derick Rose look as dangerous as ever. Put in young teams on the rise like the Washington Wizards and the Eastern Conference has suddenly become crowded.
Every team in the East is looking for an edge and the best three point shooter in the NBA, Ray Allen, may just be the one who can tip the balance or power. Allen is a free agent and the Bulls, Cavaliers, and Wizards, are all vying for his services. Who will be the victor? That remains to be seen but each one of them is truly a possible option for the veteran shooter.
The Bulls had a busy and productive offseason, acquiring free agents Pau Gasol and Aaron Brooks, rookie Doug McDermott, and European sensation Nikola Mirotic. On Paper, they have one of the deepest teams in the NBA and are among the top favorites to come out in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a healthy Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah and Allen may just be the final piece of a championship puzzle. The Bulls certainly have the roster to entice Allen but another key selling point for the team is Allen's relationship with coach Tom Thibodeau according to ESPN Chicago. Thibodeau was the assistant coach of the 2008 Boston Celtics whom Allen won his first championship with and the two reportedly share a close relationship together.
The Wizards are a young team on the rise and having Allen behind John Wall in their roster would certainly help their chances in advancing in the playoffs. The team are seriously interested in the veteran shooter and have "periodically" checked in on the start of free agency according to Washington Post. With back up shooting guard Martell Webster expected to miss some playing time due to injury and Trevor Ariza no longer part of the roster, the Wizards clearly need to add some shooting in their system. Allen could also join his former Celtics teammate Paul Pierce in Washington if he decides to sign with the Wizards.
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, are the most likely destination for Allen mainly because of LeBron James whom Allen has played with in two Finals appearances including one championship with the Miami Heat. The team has also acquired Kevin Love along with veterans like Mike Miller and James Jones in free agency and bringing in Allen would further increase their chances in bringing home the NBA title to Cleveland. The team is willing to make room for Allen and is ready to offer him a deal the moment he decides to play another year according the Cleveland.com.
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