Ray Allen has reportedly decided to sign with the Miami Heat, according to multiple reports. Allen, who spent the past five seasons with the Boston Celtics, had met with Heat management on Thursday and left Friday, but had not reached a deal before leaving. Allen will be paid $3.09 million per season under the mini mid-level exception, per Hoopsworld.
Allen and the Celtics had been in contract negotiations for a lengthy period, but he wanted $9 million over three years ($27 million total), which was just too much for Boston's brass.
But according to a league source, Allen's request from the Celtics went beyond the pale - reportedly a demand for a three-year, $27 million contract. The Celtics, according to the source, were in the process of attempting to talk Allen down from $9 million to $6 million per year. (via Boston Herald)
Allen's deteriorating relationship with Rajon Rondo, as well as the fact that Danny Ainge nearly traded him at the deadline this past season, played a role in his decision to leave.
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