Ray

Allen

It comes on the heels of a gastrointestinal disorder that kept him out of the opening exhibition game. Not the greatest preseason Allen’s ever had, but we think he’ll pull through.

Allen can become a free agent next summer. The Sonics would like to keep him, but they’re not thinking about a max deal of $100.5 million over five years. The five-year, $57 million deal Rasheed Wallace signed with the Pistons could be a starting point for negotiations.

Maybe this explains his shooting slump. Allen missed 12-of-19 shots Tuesday night after spending all day in bed.

“When I twisted my ankle in that Memphis game I came back and I think I had three shots,” he said. “One was an air ball because I was trying to force my lift, and that’s just an example of what I’ve been dealing with. I’ve just had to rework my shooting routine and get my rhythm back down because it has thrown me off as far as my balance.” Allen missed 10 of 15 shots Saturday. This doesn’t appear to be much to worry about, though coach Nate McMillan would like to reduce his star’s minutes from his current 40.4 to the 35-38 range. Ronald Murray’s return would help accomplish that goal.

Team sources claimed that rumor had no merit, and that Allen is now unlikely to be dealt before today’s deadline.

Get him in your lineup.

Whoa! The team with the third-best record in the West trading their best player? We can’t see it happening, but it might depending on what Allen could bring in return. The Sonics are comfortable with Ronald Murray and Antonio Daniels at the two.

Ray Allen and Brent Barry will be in the backcourt, with with Rashard Lewis and Vladimir Radmanovic at forward and Jerome James at center. Just like in recent years, look to Seattle for guards and small forwards, but not your big men.

Allen is still targeting a Dec. 7 return, at which point the Sonics will have to decide whether Brent Barry or Ronald Murray goes to the bench.

Allen will begin rehab and will be re-evaluated on Dec. 4, after which he may be cleared for impact workouts. He’s been targeting Dec. 7 for his return, but it sounds like that may be overly optimistic.