In two seasons together with the Miami Heat, Allen and James have formed a close bond. Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Ray Allen is reportedly leaning toward returning for his 19th season in the NBA to continue as a teammate of LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In two seasons together with the Miami Heat, Allen and James have formed a close bond. After the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Heat for the NBA title, James and Allen vacationed together the week after the NBA Finals.
Cleveland can find room under the salary cap depending on how the Cavaliers’ pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love pans out.
Former James teammates Mike Miller and James Jones signed with the team this month.
If Allen does return for his 19th NBA season, he wants to play with James. Allen had considered retiring and intimated as much after the NBA Finals.
“One thing is for certain, to (retire) on my terms is the most important thing,” Allen told ESPN.com. “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 appeared in 79 regular-season games and all 20 in the postseason with the Heat, averaging 9.3 points per game.
