Clippers Ray of Hope

Could Ray Allen be headed to the Clippers? According to ESPN.com's Chad Ford's blog, the Clippers called Allen Friday at midnight (minutes after the negotiating period began for free agents) to express interest in the free agent guard.

LAist thinks this flirtation with Allen might actually become a real relationship. Allen and the Sonics worked on a contract extension all last season, and in public, it looked ugly. Considering Seattle refuses to give Allen a max contract, the He Got Game star has reason to look elsewhere.

The Clippers have tons of cap room (remember how they almost signed Kobe Bryant last year?), Donald Sterling has reportedly authorized more than $75 million to go Allen's way, and as an actor, Allen will undoubtedly be intrigued by any Los Angeles team.

What's more is that adding Ray Allen to a team with Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, and Shaun Livingston would make the Clippers a really really good team. Mike Dunleavy would have that solid shooter he needs to complement his young athletic team, and the Clippers would definitely be a playoff regular with Allen in Red and Blue.

Allen is also considering Cleveland, but he's the Cavs second choice after Michael Redd. Atlanta has the cap room and interest, but believe it or not, the Hawks are much more hopeless than the Clippers these days. So, if Seattle and Allen can't work out the right terms, the Clippers just might get an enormous franchise-changing gift this summer.