Prospect of trading Allen not far-fetched
Last Updated: Feb. 19, 2003

Michael Hunt
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


For seven seasons, Ray Allen has served and represented the Milwaukee Bucks like few before him. The three-time all-star and soon-to-be two-time Olympian has willfully and joyfully played for the kind of low-profile franchise typically shunned by those of his standing, never complaining that his acting career or his endorsement possibilities might be better accommodated elsewhere.

The criticisms of his perceived softness and weak defensive play aside, Allen has distinguished himself in all other on-court endeavors. Off the floor, no one could ask for a better ambassador for a franchise or a city.

In his early years, he lived in an east-side duplex and indulged in the simpler pleasures of an unpretentious town. After signing a six-year contract without an agent, he bought a house in Mequon and became one of the few Bucks in recent memory to establish year-round residency. He has never embarrassed the organization with his behavior, and it's unlikely this market will ever see a more accommodating, thoughtful and truthful interview subject.

While everything about Ray Allen screams "Buck for life," the organization will one day be faced with one of its most difficult decisions. The suggestion here is that the Bucks, for the good of the franchise, should trade Allen before his $71 million contract expires at the end of the 2004-'05 season.

For one thing, the Bucks already have Allen's successor in place. Michael Redd is a star in waiting, ready to assume a major role when his chance arrives. Redd is aggressive, plays hard on both ends of the floor and shoots three-pointers like few in the league. He also has something Allen does not, and that is a bargain-basement contract.

Although Dallas caused owner Herb Kohl short-term pain by subjecting him to the luxury tax when it signed Redd to an offer sheet several months ago, the Mavericks did the Bucks a long-term favor. At $12 million for four years, Redd's contract may represent the best value in the league. But there's a catch: Redd can opt out after his third season, and he almost certainly will if he is not a starter by then.

To re-sign Allen would cost the cash-strapped franchise enormous money, starting at more than $13 million per season. If he stays healthy and productive, Redd would also be eligible for a sizable raise, though not in Allen's neighborhood by the labor agreement. Plus, Redd is four years younger than Allen, making Redd the more sensible investment.

Instead of the possibility of receiving nothing for Allen should he choose free agency after two more seasons, the Bucks could get a nice return for him, maybe even that elusive inside presence or a legitimate 24/7 defensive stopper. The Bucks tried to get that missing piece on the cheap with Anthony Mason, but as everyone now realizes, such a commodity will cost much more than the mid-level exception.

In a recent interview, Allen expressed absolutely no regrets in binding himself to the Bucks for six years when he could have possibly won more or certainly raised his eminently marketable profile elsewhere. "It's been nothing but positives here," said Allen, who did not discount re-signing with the Bucks when the time comes.

I have no doubts of Allen's sincerity to return under the right circumstances, but those options may not exist for the player or the for-sale franchise two years from now.

Perhaps the best for all concerned would be to consider what had been the unthinkable several years ago. Although the Bucks without Ray Allen might seem unnatural, it just might be the right thing to do.

:O Do the players get ANY notice of an impending trade or are they "told" once it goes through?? Kinda trippy to have to uproot your life so suddenly...
[This message was edited Thu Feb 20 19:01:38 PST 2003 by CalhounSq]

I'm shocked as well and kind of sad. Seattle is my third favorite franchise in all of sports and I'll miss Payton. I do like Ray Allen though. Still, I get the feeling the Bucks got the better end of this one. My guess is that Seattle wants to rebuild after this disappointing season and Milwaukee wants to bring in some veteran leadership to lead them to the playoffs and perhaps some series wins.

Moonbeam said:

The Sonics are Soft-Minded for making that deal.