The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly getting free-agent shooting guard Ray Allen, according to a source close to situation.
Gary Washburn of Boston Globe broke the news of Allen increasingly leaning towards joining the Cavaliers, giving LeBron James another former Miami Heat teammate to rely on this upcoming season.
"NBA source tells Globe that Ray Allen is leaning toward returning for 19th season and joining LeBron James with the Cavaliers," Washburn posted on his Twitter account on Thursday.
The Cavs have been pursuing Allen ever since James decided to return home. Mike Miller, who won two NBA championships with LeBron during his tenure with the Heat, also signed with the Cavs, while former three-point shootout champ Jermaine Jones also made a decision to take his talent to Cleveland.
The Dallas Mavericks attempted to sign Allen with their mid-level exception, but the lure of winning another championship with his buddy LeBron appears to be too tempting to turn down.
According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the 29-year old Allen will be returning home from a trip with LeBron in China to get an MRIs on his legs before he makes an official announcement to return for his 19th NBA season.
"Ray Allen told Sina in China he planned to return Thurs. & get MRIs on his legs before making future decision. Numerous teams interested," Windhorst stated on his Twitter account.
Deep Bench for the Cavs
With Allen expected to hop on the wagon, the Cavs suddenly boast one of the deepest bench in the league.
Apart from the signing of Miller and Jones, the team also acquired veteran center Brandon Haywood via trade with the Charlotte Hornets and a plethora of talented youngsters like Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, Anthony Bennett and 2014 no.1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins.
Though they are playing way past their primes, the shooting and championship experience of both Allen and Miller on the bench will be an important factor for the Cavaliers, as they compete in an improved Eastern Conference.
Of course, Cleveland could easily become the favorite to win the title next season if they manage to land Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love in a blockbuster trade.
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