Tony Allen's contract is set to expire at the end of this season, making him an unrestricted free agent. But the defensive-minded Celtics guard, who's in the midst of wrapping up arguably his most consistent and successful season with Boston, isn't looking to be courted by any other teams. Via Jessica Camerato:
"I am a Celtic," he told WEEI.com. "I love being a Celtic. It'd mean everything in the world [return next season]."
While Allen attested that he is focused on winning a championship, not free agency - "I haven't really thought about summer right now," he said. "All I'm worried about is the finals" - he hopes he has played his way to another contract in Boston. He can't imagine playing in a different uniform.
"None whatsoever, none whatsoever," he said. "I mean, things happen but I feel like I'm going to be a Celtic for life."
If Paul Pierce chooses to pick up his player option, the Celtics will have just six players under contract heading into next season (Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Glen Davis, Kendrick Perkins, and Rasheed Wallace). Danny Ainge and co. will clearly have a number of decisions to make regarding the structure of next season's team, and TA's future with the club will be one of those. Now, largely due to injuries, TA's had his ups and downs with Boston, yet, to me, Tony Allen proved this season that, when healthy, he can be a consistently productive bench player, and it always helps to have a lockdown defender like him in the lineup.
So, what do you think?