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Ainge says Celtics did want Ray Allen back

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Saturday that he wasn’t surprised by Ray Allen’s decision to sign with the rival Miami Heat, but stressed that Boston wanted the veteran sharpshooter back and that it was ultimately Allen’s decision to depart.

“I don’t feel like we lost Ray; I feel like Ray left us to go to Miami,” said Ainge. “We appreciate all that Ray’s done, and all that him and (Allen’s wife) Shannon have done in our community. We tried to get Ray back; he chose to go to Miami.”

Speaking publicly on Allen for the first time since the soon-to-be 37-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Heat on Wednesday — accepting half the yearly salary that Boston was offering in the process — Ainge expressed gratitude for Allen’s contributions to the Celtics the last five years, but seemed slightly stung by Allen’s decision to jump ship amid Boston’s efforts to put back all the major pieces from last season.

— Reported by Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston

Miami Heat sign Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent guard Ray Allen and free agent forward Rashard Lewis. We’ll post contract details here later today.

Allen, a 16-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 1,148 regular season games (1,140 starts) averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.16 steals and 36.9 minutes while shooting 45.2 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 89.4 percent from the foul line. Among all-time NBA leaders, he ranks first in three-point field goals made (2,718), first in three-point field goals attempts (6,788), fifth in free throw percentage, 18th in minutes played (42,373), 22nd in field goal attempts (17,761), 24th in points (22,941) and 32nd in field goals made (8,035). Last season, Allen appeared in 46 games (42 starts) with Boston and averaged 14.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.07 steals and 34.0 minutes while shooting 45.8 percent from the field, 45.3 percent from three-point range and 91.5 percent from the foul line while helping the Celtics capture the Atlantic Division title.

A 10-time NBA All-Star, Allen has appeared in 128 postseason games (120 starts) averaging 18.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.08 steals and 38.8 minutes while shooting 44.7 percent from the field, 40.2 percent from three-point range and 88.2 percent from the foul line. During the 2012 NBA Playoffs, he helped lead Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals while appearing in 18 games (10 starts) and averaged 10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 34.2 minutes while shooting 39.5 percent from the field, 30.4 percent from three-point range and 71.1 percent from the foul line.

In addition to his many contributions on the court, the former 2008 NBA Champion was honored with the NBA Community Award in February of 2011 and was named The Sporting News “Good Guy” in 2000, 2001 and 2005. He initiated the “Ray of Hope” Foundation that currently assists charities in several communities and served as NBA Spokesperson for the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball support program.

Allen was originally drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round (5th overall) of the 1996 NBA Draft.

Lewis, a 14-year NBA veteran, has appeared in 934 regular season games (827 starts) averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.11 steals and 34.0 minutes while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 38.8 percent from three-point range and 80.8 percent from the foul line. Among Seattle/Oklahoma City all-time franchise leaders, he ranks first in three-point field goals made (973), second in three-point field goals attempted (2,519), fourth in points (10,251), fourth in defensive rebounds (2,576), fourth in minutes played (20,921), fifth in field goals made (3,762), fifth in field goals attempted (8,162), sixth in games played (617), seventh in total rebounds (3,595), seventh in offensive rebounds (1,019), eighth in steals (708), eighth in three-point field goal percentage (.387), ninth in blocks (362) and 10th in free throws made (1,754). Last season, Lewis appeared in 28 games (15 starts) with Washington and averaged 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 26.0 minutes while shooting 38.5 percent from the field and 83.8 percent from the foul line.

Lewis, a two-time NBA All-Star, has appeared in 64 postseason games (63 starts) averaging 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 38.5 minutes while shooting 43.9 percent from the field, 35.7 percent from three-point range and 82.1 percent from the foul line. During the 2009 NBA Playoffs, he helped Orlando advance to the NBA Finals and scored a playoff career-high 34 points in Game Two on June 7 at the Los Angeles Lakers while also dishing out a postseason career-best seven assists. Additionally, earlier in that postseason he hit a game-winning three-point basket with only 14.7 seconds remaining in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals at Cleveland on May 20 to help Orlando capture the 107-106 victory.

Lewis was originally drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the second round (32nd overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft.

Durant still mad about losing to LeBron in Finals

Kevin Durant can’t hide from the hurt this summer.

LeBron James is right there every time he steps on the basketball court now. The NBA Finals ended in Miami only about three weeks ago, with James’ victory celebration interrupted only briefly to embrace his opponent in a consoling hug.

Durant admits it bothers him coming to the gym and seeing James every day.

“It does. It does, but what can I do?” Durant said Tuesday. “He’s my teammate now. I’m a team player. I can’t let that affect this. This is bigger than that. It’s tough to lose in the finals and play the guy you’ve been going up against for five games who beat you. So me, I’m just going to get over it, still be a great teammate, come out and play hard.”

Kobe Bryant was in Durant’s shoes four years ago, having to shake off the disappointment of a finals loss to the Boston Celtics and get back out on the court for the Olympics. He said it’s normal to not want to play for a few days, but figures Durant has had enough time to get over it by now.

— Reported by the Associated Press

Grant Hill interested in Heat, Thunder, Lakers

Free agent forward Grant Hill is still considering at least two other teams–the two teams in last month’s Finals, Miami and Oklahoma City–as well as the Lakers as he decides where he’s going to play next season, according to a source with knowledge of the 39-year-old forward’s thinking.

Reports Tuesday indicated that Hill has decided either to play for the Lakers or retire. But the source strongly indicated that Hill has not limited himself to Los Angeles as he makes up his mind. The Lakers emerged as a strong favorite for Hill after they agreed to terms with the Suns last week on a sign-and-trade deal that will send Steve Nash to the Lakers after the end of the July Moratorium on the 11th for four Draft picks and $3 million. But Hill is looking at the Heat and Thunder as well.

— Reported by the NBA.com Hangtime blog

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Miami Heat meet with Rashard Lewis

The Heat, meanwhile, continued to await a decision from Rashard Lewis, who met with team officials Sunday in Miami. Lewis also plans to meet with Atlanta (which could offer him more money) and potentially the Knicks before deciding.

“It went well,” agent Tony Dutt said of Lewis’ meeting with the Heat. “We’re talking to a couple more teams and will make a decision later in the week.”

Lewis is making $13.7 million in a buyout next season, which makes the Heat cautiously optimistic that he would be willing to take a deal for the $1.3 million minimum.

The Heat remains alive in the competition for Marcus Camby, but only if Miami and Houston can work out a sign-and-trade. Discussions are ongoing. Camby has made no firm plans to visit but has spoken with Heat president Pat Riley. The Knicks, Nets and Clippers also remain in the mix.

— Reported by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald

Dwyane Wade undergoes left knee surgery

The Miami Heat announced today that guard Dwyane Wade underwent successful left knee surgery this morning. The 20-minute procedure was performed by Heat team physician Dr. Harlan Selesnick at Doctors Hospital in Coral Gables. Wade can begin therapy immediately and is expected to be ready for training camp.

An eight-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Wade appeared in 49 regular season games for the NBA Champion Heat in 2011-12 and averaged 22.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.67 steals, 1.29 blocks and 33.2 minutes. He also appeared in all 23 postseason games for Miami and averaged 22.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.70 steals, 1.30 blocks and 39.4 minutes.

Miami Heat have interest in John Lucas III

While they work on ways to secure help in their frontcourt by courting Marcus Camby and Rashard Lewis, the Miami Heat are also looking at making a possible addition to their backcourt.

The Heat have been in contact with Chicago Bulls free agent point guard John Lucas III, sources told ESPN.com.

Lucas averaged 7.5 points and 2.2 assists in 49 games with the Bulls last season including a 24-point game against the Heat in March in a Bulls victory. It was the best season of his winding career that’s taken him in and out of the NBA dating back to 2005.

The Heat will still have three open roster spots after signing Ray Allen this week and Lucas is under consideration for one of them.

— Reported by Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com

Heat and Knicks want Marcus Camby

Highly sought-after unrestricted free agent big man Marcus Camby postponed his meeting with the Miami Heat on Saturday, according to a source with knowledge of his plans.

It was done to allow the team to work on a potential sign-and-trade with the Houston Rockets, but the Rockets aren’t currently interested in dealing with the Heat.

The Rockets, according to sources, are more interested in a sign-and-trade with the New York Knicks. Sources told ESPN.com that the Knicks have had discussions with the Rockets about Camby, as well as the Dallas Mavericks about a sign-and-trade for free agent Jason Kidd, who agreed to join the Knicks earlier this week.

The Knicks are hoping to make a sign-and-trade deal for one of them and use their $3.09 million mid-level exception to sign the other.

A source close to Camby would be “shocked” if he signs anywhere for the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million, which is what the Heat only have available after Ray Allen agreed to their mid-level exception of $3.09 million on Friday.

— Reported by Jared Zwerling and Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com

Ray Allen will sign with Miami Heat

Ray Allen will take less money for a chance at another NBA championship.

Allen told the Miami Heat on Friday night that he intends to accept their contract offer and leave Boston after five seasons, even though the Celtics could pay him about twice as much as the reigning NBA champions will be able to next season. Miami could only offer Allen the mini mid-level, worth about $3 million a year.

Heat owner Micky Arison tweeted the news just after 9:30 p.m. — or about 2:30 a.m. Saturday in Europe, where Arison has been for several days.

“I was just woken up with great news,” Arison wrote. “Welcome to the family.”

Arison ended the tweet by making mention of Allen’s jersey No. 20, and did not mention the NBA’s leading 3-point shooter by name.

— Reported by the Associated Press

Allen, tired of being offered as trade bait by Danny Ainge in each of the last two years, was also being offered trade security by the Celtics, either in the form of a trade kicker or a no trade clause.

But according to a league source, Allen’s request from the Celtics went beyond the pale – reportedly a demand for a three-year, $27 million contract. The Celtics, according to the source, were in the process of attempting to talk Allen down from $9 million to $6 million per year.

So Allen may have had several issues issues, perhaps starting with the Celtics’ signing of Jason Terry earlier this week – a former sixth man of the year winner (2009) with Dallas who could duplicate many of Allen’s functions. And then there are growing reports that Allen no longer desired to play with Rajon Rondo – the Celtics point guard with whom he has been known to occasionally bicker.

The Heat certainly pulled out the stops in their attempt to get him. LeBron James, a major figure in that recruitment drive, even photo-shopped a picture of Allen in a Heat uniform and sent it out over the twitter-sphere.

— Reported by the Boston Herald (Blog)

In choosing the Heat’s offer, Allen walked away from a two-year deal with the C’s worth as much as $12 million.

With Allen off to Miami, a league source said the Celtics would still pursue adding another perimeter shooter.

One possibility would be to re-sign Mickael Pietrus.

His agent Bill McCandless told CSNNE.com that he didn’t foresee a scenario that would have allowed his client to return to Boston if the Celtics re-signed Allen.

— Reported by A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE

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Miami Heat hope to sign Marcus Camby

Has center Marcus Camby emerged as the free agent the Heat are going after the hardest?

Sources close to the situation said Friday the free agent will visit Miami on Saturday. One source said the Heat had reached out to Camby’s camp at 12:01 a.m. EDT last Sunday, the very first time teams could contact free agents.

It initially appeared Camby’s priority was to re-sign with Houston. But sources said Camby has changed his tune this week due to a belief the Rockets are rebuilding, and he would be very receptive to signing with Miami.

The Heat on Thursday entertained free-agent guard Ray Allen. On Sunday, they will play host to free-agent forward Rashard Lewis.

— Reported by Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida