Contrary to some reports, free agent Ray Allen is not close to signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders and Allen's agent, Jim Tanner, both reported the veteran has yet to decide whether he will return for his 19th season.
Allen remains a free agent with no team lined up, according to Kennedy and Tanner.
"I asked a source close to the situation if Ray Allen has decided to sign with the Cavaliers, as has been reported. Source responded: 'NO,'" Kennedy tweeted Tuesday. "... It's still possible that Ray Allen will sign with CLE at some point, but the source (who's very close to the situations) says no decision yet."
Tanner confirmed Tuesday on Twitter that Allen is still undecided about playing another season.
"Amid continued rumors and having spoken with Ray today, let me be very clear," Tanner tweeted, via Tandem. "... Ray's position has not changed. Ray has not decided if he will play this season nor has he signed (with) the Cavs."
Most believe Allen will return for another season, but it's unlikely to happen until after the preseason. By skipping training camp, and possibly some of the regular season, the 39-year-old reduces some of the wear-and-tear on his body.
In addition to Cleveland, the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards all are reportedly interested in signing Allen.
Allen has been quiet for most of the offseason. He spoke with the Boston Herald in August and seemed to indicate he wanted more than the veteran's minimum.
"A lot of teams want to be able to get me at the veteran's minimum," he said, according to Hoopshabit. "I still have an ego, too. I still have a service to provide, and teams still have to pay me what I feel my presence is worth. I have to take that into consideration, if it's worth putting my body through what it will take over 82 games."
