Ray Allen is not expected to opt in with the Heat, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Even if Allen doesn't opt in, it doesn't mean he's leaving. Allen can sign a new deal that would call for him to make more money by opting out and then re-signing with the team, so that's a scenario on the table. Allen is expected to be a free agent and the Heat won't be allowed to re-sign him officially until July 10. Miami has already said retaining him is the top priority.

The Heat have made retaining Ray Allen their initial offseason priority.

Allen has a $3.229 million player option for the 2013-14 season. He has until Sunday to decide whether he'll pick it up. "We think the ultimate recruiting pitch is what we just did," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "But we won't take that for granted. There will certainly be communication between us and Ray. He was such an important piece of what we did."

Ray Allen has to decide on his player option for next season by June 30.

Allen's teammates expect him to return, but he hasn't stated his intentions publicly one way or another. He seemed very pleased with his decision to go to Miami after the Heat won the title, so it would be a fairly large surprise if he opted out.

Ray Allen hasn't decided about picking up his player option for next season and will address it after the NBA Finals.

There is no rush for Allen to make his decision, and if the Heat go on to beat the Spurs, it would seem like a no-brainer that Allen returns to Miami. It's always possible he decides to hang up the sneakers as well and goes out on top as a champion, but retirement doesn't seem to be something he's currently considering.

Erik Spoelstra praised Ray Allen, saying he's been "exactly what we wanted this year."

"He's a fourth-quarter killer with the mindset that you have to know and be aware of where he is at all times in the fourth quarter," Spoelstra said. Allen averages 10 minutes during the fourth-quarter, the highest average during his 17-year career. "He creates more space for our best players," Spoelstra added.

Ray Allen made all 10 free throws attempts in Game 2's 115-78 win over the Bulls and had a game-high 21 points with three boards, one steal, one block, one 3-pointer and no turnovers in 19 minutes.

He set his season high for free throw makes on the opening night of the regular season with seven and made averaged just 1.8 per game all year. Allen has stepped it up in the playoffs and he's scored at least 20 points in three of the six games. He scored at least 20 in just seven of his 79 games this regular season. Miami hasn't played many close games, but it's nice to see that one of the best shooters ever still has it.

Ray Allen made four 3-pointers in Sunday's 88-77 win over the Bucks, scoring 16 points, seven boards, one steal and one turnover.

He set the record earlier in the series for most career 3-pointers in the postseason and he's been a big part of Miami's success while Dwyane Wade recovers from his ailing knee. Allen hit five 3-pointers in Game 3 on Thursday and he's a great complementary piece on the perimeter with LeBron James slashing to the basket.

Ray Allen hit 6-of-13 shots and two 3-pointers on his way to 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in an easy Game 1 win over the Bucks.

Allen played very well and his outside shooting should be a key for the Heat as they plan on making a run deep into the playoffs.

Ray Allen hit 8-of-18 shots and a 3-pointer for 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals in Wednesday's win over the Wizards.

Allen even turned back the clock and dunked tonight, and clearly benefitted by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh watching in street clothes. The 23 points tied his season high, but the other one came way back on Nov. 3.

Ray Allen (ankle) played 27 minutes off the bench vs. Philadelphia, scoring 11 points with three 3-pointers, two rebounds and two assists.

Allen had surgery to remove bone spurs in his ankles this summer, but he recently said he's "80 percent" healthy, and it seems he's been playing through discomfort all season. The good news is that he only missed one game due to soreness this week, and his three triples tonight should satisfy most owners.

Ray Allen (ankle) is not expected to play on Friday against the Bobcats.

Allen made some waves when he said his ankle is only 80 percent healthy, and although he's going to be as healthy as he will be this season, the extra time off couldn't hurt. Shane Battier and Mike Miller will see a few extra minutes apiece if Allen sits.

Ray Allen admitted that his ankle is "only about 80 percent."

Allen's ankle issues aren't going away and will likely be an issue for the remainder of his career. However, it's not expected to force him out of action any time soon. "I like the pounding of my joints," Allen said. He had 16 points in Tuesday's loss and is shooting 42.4 percent from distance this year.

Ray Allen shot the ball well in Tuesday's 102-90 loss to the Knicks, making 5-of-7 from the field for 16 points with one board, two assists, two steals and one 3-pointer.

He played 26 minutes and made all five free throws. Allen has been stepping it up with LeBron James (hamstring) and Dwyane Wade (ankle) out and scored 14 points on Sunday. He should be viewed as a hold in standard formats, but he'll probably get some rest at some point.

Ray Allen was cut on the mouth and went to the locker room in the fourth quarter of Friday's game.

He just cut his lip and there really shouldn't be much concern once the bleeding stops. If you're wondering why Allen isn't getting minutes to start the fourth, this is why.

Ray Allen scored 20 points with four 3-pointers on Sunday, as the Heat rolled to their 22nd consecutive victory.

Allen scored 16 of his points in the fourth quarter alone, ensuring that Miami's streak would go unbroken. He's locked into a 20-25 minute bench role and continues to provide low-end value for points, 3-pointers and low-volume, high-percentage FT shooting.

Ray Allen had just five points on 1-of-8 shooting in Wednesday's win over the Magic.

Allen was due to cool off. In his previous six games, he had made 17-of-33 (51.5 percent) from beyond the arc. In this one, he went 1-of-7. Owners carrying Allen for his difference-making 3-point ability shouldn't sweat it.

Ray Allen scored 13 points off the bench in Monday's 97-81 win over the Wolves, adding two boards, one assist and two 3-pointers in 26 minutes.

He's starting to click with 15 triples in his previous five games. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are going to command double teams more often then not, so if Allen can find his stroke, he's a good bet to rack up shots from distance. He's worth owning in all leagues that count 3-pointers.

Ray Allen said that he's not currently worried about next season and is focused on the current campaign.

"One thing I don't worry about is my contract during the year," he said. Allen has a player option for $3.2 million next season, but how this year ends for Miami will likely go a long way toward Allen's decision.

Ray Allen hit all three of his 3-pointers and finished Sunday's game with 11 points, one rebound and one steal in 21 minutes.

Allen has quietly scored double-digit points in six consecutive games, averaging 2.3 threes and nearly 29 minutes per game during that stretch. He has appeal as a 3-point specialist, as usual, and his strong play has marginalized Rashard Lewis (scoreless in five minutes) and Mike Miller (DNP-CD).

Ray Allen played 29 minutes in Thursday's easy 86-67 win over the Bulls, scoring 11 points with two assists, two steals, one block and one 3-pointer on 4-of-11 shooting.

He couldn't buy a 3-pointer from February 1-10 with just one make in that span, but he's turned it up since then with seven treys in his last four games. Allen will hold value in leagues that count 3-pointers.