The Hawks have had discussions with representatives for free agent Ray Allen but nothing is imminent, according to a person familiar with the discussions.
Allen has not played since finishing last season with the Heat. Allen has reportedly received interest from several teams.
The Hawks may be reluctant to disrupt the chemistry of a team that is 41-9 and holds the best record in the Eastern Conference. However, the team lost guard/forward Thabo Sefolosha for six to eight weeks with a right calf strain.
The 39-year-old Allen played 19 NBA seasons. He averaged 18.9 points and is a career 40 percent shooter from 3-point range. Allen is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 2,973, 413 more than second-place Reggie Miller.
“For us to be open to improving the group and adding more depth, with Thabo healthy or without Thabo healthy or without Thabo having this injury, it’s kind of the same mindset,” coach Mike Budenolzer told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week when asked about possible roster moves. “We really like our group. You are hesitant to do anything. There is a little more opportunity for a six- to eight-week window but I don’t think it changes much if at all.”
Budenholzer admitted that disrupting the chemistry of a team that has won 34 of the past 37 games is a concern.
“Those kinds of conversations are part of the debate and the collaboration,” he said. “We are fortunate to have such good chemistry and have such good guys that we are very protective of that and respective of that.”
It is possible Allen chooses not to play this season but he has drawn interest from other teams, including the Cavaliers for a reunion with LeBron James.
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