The Washington Wizards reportedly contacted free agent Ray Allen to gauge his interest in joining former teammate Paul Pierce in the nation's capital. While Washington supposedly is interested in the veteran shooting guard, the Cleveland Cavaliers still appear to be the frontrunner to land Allen if he doesn't retire.
The Wizards want to bring Allen to D.C. as a backup for up-and-coming guard Bradley Beal and have already reached out to Allen's agent, according to J. Michael of CSN Washington.
"The team contacted the 39-year-old shooting guard early in the free agent process to gauge his interest in signing, CSNwashington.com has confirmed with two people with knowledge of the situation Tuesday," Michael wrote. "... Since the initial feeler sent out by the Wizards, there hasn't been any follow-up contact with Allen or his representation, CSNwashington.com has been told. But Tuesday, it was made clear that the Wizards will keep the door open with that 15thh spot in hopes of Allen, or a veteran of his caliber and skill set, walking through it."
Michael, though, called Allen coming to Washington a "long shot at best."
Allen still hasn't decided whether he will return for his 19th season. If Allen does forego retirement, Cleveland - thanks to former Miami Heat teammate LeBron James - is believed to be the frontrunner for him.
The veteran has been quiet through free agency, aside from indicating he may want more than the veteran's minimum and saying he wasn't in a rush to make a decision. Training camp also could be factor: If Allen doesn't want to go through his 19th offseason camp, he could be waiting for camp to end first before making a decision.
