Editing Ray Allen (section)

==NBA career==

===Milwaukee Bucks (1996–2003)===

====1996–1999: early years in Milwaukee====
Allen was drafted by the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] with the fifth pick of the [[1996 NBA draft]]. Immediately after his selection, Allen and [[Andrew Lang (basketball)|Andrew Lang]] were traded to the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] for the rights to fourth pick [[Stephon Marbury]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/draft2002/history/history_96draft.html|title=NBA.com: 1996 NBA Draft, First Round|website=www.nba.com|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=June 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627065832/https://www.nba.com/draft2002/history/history_96draft.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 24, 1996, Allen signed a 3-year, $6.2 million contract with the Bucks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nba/miami-heat/ray-allen-2209/transactions/ |title=Ray Allen |website=sportrac.com |access-date=July 30, 2021 }}</ref> Allen made his NBA debut on November 1, 1996, where he started and played 28 minutes and scored 13 points in a win against fellow rookie [[Allen Iverson]] and the [[Philadelphia 76ers]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ballislife.com/allen-iverson-nba-debut/|title=(1996) Allen Iverson & Ray Allen Make Their NBA Debuts Against Each Other|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005802/http://ballislife.com/allen-iverson-nba-debut/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On January 12, 1997, Allen put in one of his strongest efforts of the season in a win against the [[Golden State Warriors]], contributing 22 points, 6 assists, 3 steals and a new career high of 9 rebounds. In February 1997, Allen competed in the [[Slam Dunk Contest]] during [[1997 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Weekend]], where he finished fourth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/allstar2002/slamdunk/year_by_year.html|title=NBA.com: Slam Dunk Year-by-Year Results|website=www.nba.com|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=December 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219213329/http://www.nba.com/allstar2002/slamdunk/year_by_year.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Continuing his strong rookie season, on March 25, 1997, Allen scored a new career high of 32 points in a loss to the [[Phoenix Suns]]. Allen was named to the [[NBA All-Rookie Second Team]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards/all-rookie-team|title=Year-by-year NBA All-Rookie Teams|website=NBA.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27}}</ref>

In the 1997–98 season, Allen played and started all 82 games for the Bucks. In the season opener, he put up 29 points, including 6 three-pointers in a win against the 76ers. On December 20, 1997, Allen set a new career high of 35 points against the [[New York Knicks]]. On the brink of missing the playoffs for the second straight year, on April 18, 1998, the last game of the regular season, Allen tallied a 40-point double-double with 10 rebounds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804180MIL.html|title=Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks Box Score, April 18, 1998|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005732/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804180MIL.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====1999–2003: building his legacy====
On February 10, 1999, following the [[1998–99 NBA lockout]], Allen signed a six-year, $70.9 million extension with the Bucks, making him the highest paid player in franchise history at that point.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-11-sp-7182-story.html|title=Allen Goes One on One and Gets $70.9 Million|date=1999-02-11|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2019-06-27|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref> The 1998–99 season saw Allen make his first playoff appearance, with the Bucks earning the seventh seed. There they were swept by the [[Indiana Pacers]] in the first round despite Allen averaging 22.3 points per game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1999-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bucks-vs-pacers.html|title=1999 NBA Eastern Conference First Round – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=May 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503045416/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1999-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-bucks-vs-pacers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following season, on January 20, 2000, Allen recorded a career-high 13 assists in a loss to the [[Seattle SuperSonics]]. On February 3, 2000, Allen scored 36 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a 102–99 win against the [[Utah Jazz]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200002030UTA.html |title=Milwaukee Bucks at Utah Jazz Box Score, February 3, 2000 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |access-date=July 30, 2021 }}</ref> A month later, Allen played in his first All-Star Game, where he had 14 points in 17 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2000.html|title=2000 NBA All-Star Game Box Score|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=October 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004160049/http://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 1999–2000 season, Allen led the Bucks in scoring during the regular and post-season.

On February 7, 2001, Allen recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists against the [[Boston Celtics]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/allenra02/gamelog/2001/|title=Ray Allen 2000–01 game log|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27}}</ref> A few days later, he participated and won his first [[NBA All-Star Weekend Three-Point Shootout|3-point shootout]] during [[2001 NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Weekend]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200102070BOS.html|title=Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics Box Score, February 7, 2001|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062238/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200102070BOS.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/all-star/three-point-contest|title=NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest Winners|website=NBA.com|access-date=2019-06-27}}</ref> Allen, alongside [[Sam Cassell]] and [[Glenn Robinson]], helped lead the Bucks to the [[2001 NBA Playoffs|Eastern Conference finals]]. Allen recorded a new playoff career high with 41 points in a Game 6 victory over the 76ers, but the Bucks ultimately lost in seven games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bucks-vs-76ers.html|title=2001 NBA Eastern Conference finals – Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062202/https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2001-nba-eastern-conference-finals-bucks-vs-76ers.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200106010MIL.html|title=Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks Box Score, June 1, 2001|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=July 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731183412/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200106010MIL.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Allen earned [[All-NBA Third Team]] honors in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/history/awards/all-nba-team|title=Year-by-year All-NBA Teams|website=NBA.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-27|archive-date=August 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805010957/http://www.nba.com/history/awards/all-nba-team|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Seattle SuperSonics (2003–2007)===
[[File:Ray Allen free throw 2007.jpg|thumb|left|Allen prepares to shoot a [[free throw]] in 2007]]
Allen remained with the Bucks midway through the [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03 season]], when he was dealt to the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], along with [[Ronald Murray]], former [[Connecticut Huskies|UConn]] teammate [[Kevin Ollie]], and a conditional first round draft pick, in exchange for [[Gary Payton]] and [[Desmond Mason]]. It was speculated that Allen's contentious relationship with coach [[George Karl]] played a role in the Bucks' willingness to part with Allen.<ref>[https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/columnists/gary-damato/2018/04/17/damato-ray-allen-havent-talked-george-karl-15-years/522477002/ D'Amato: Ray Allen never understood why George Karl didn't like him]</ref>

After an injury-riddled [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]], Allen was named to the [[All-NBA Second Team]] in the [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05 season]] and, alongside teammate [[Rashard Lewis]], led the Sonics to the 2005 [[NBA Playoffs|Conference semifinals]].

In July 2005, Allen signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the SuperSonics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nba/id/2100822|title=Agent: SuperSonics, Ray Allen agree to $85 million deal.|work=[[ESPN]]|date=July 5, 2005|access-date=August 23, 2022}}</ref>

On March 12, 2006, Allen became the 97th player in NBA history to score 15,000 points. On April 7, 2006, Allen moved into second place on the NBA's list of all-time 3-point field goals made, trailing only [[Reggie Miller]]. On April 19, 2006, Allen broke [[Dennis Scott (basketball)|Dennis Scott]]'s ten-year-old NBA record for 3-point field goals made in a season in a game against the [[Denver Nuggets]]. The record was broken by [[Stephen Curry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/stephen-curry-breaks-single-season-record-for-3-pointers-with-272-as-golden-state-warriors-beat-portland-trail-blazers-04-041813 |title=Curry sets 3-point record in win|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419043109/http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/stephen-curry-breaks-single-season-record-for-3-pointers-with-272-as-golden-state-warriors-beat-portland-trail-blazers-04|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=February 26, 2020|archive-date=April 19, 2013}}</ref>

In the [[2006–07 NBA season|2006–07]] regular season, Allen averaged a career-high 26.4 points per game while adding 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. On January 12, 2007, he scored a career-high 54 points against the [[Utah Jazz]] in a 122–114 overtime win, the second most in Sonics history.<ref>{{cite web| publisher = ESPN | url = https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270112025 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160805064009/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=270112025 | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 5, 2016 | title = Allen just misses franchise scoring mark in Sonics win | date = January 13, 2007 | access-date = March 10, 2021}}</ref> Shortly after, he had ankle surgery on both ankles and missed the remainder of the 2006–07 season.

===Boston Celtics (2007–2012)===

==== 2007–2009: first championship ====
On June 28, 2007, the Sonics traded Allen and [[Glen Davis (basketball)|Glen Davis]], the 35th overall pick in the [[2007 NBA draft]], to the [[Boston Celtics|Celtics]] in exchange for [[Delonte West]], [[Wally Szczerbiak]], and the fifth overall pick, [[Jeff Green (basketball)|Jeff Green]]. Shortly after acquiring Allen, the Celtics acquired [[Minnesota Timberwolves]] forward [[Kevin Garnett]] to play alongside Allen and [[Paul Pierce]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Celtics Acquire 10-Time All Star Kevin Garnett- Celtics.com |website=[[NBA.com]] |url=http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press073107-garnett.html |access-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510050157/http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press073107-garnett.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon joining the Celtics, Allen changed his jersey to number 20 because [[Paul Pierce]] already had number 34 in Boston.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4696164/allen-reflects-on-celtics-in-heat-intro|title=Allen reflects on Celtics in Heat intro|date=July 11, 2012}}</ref>

On November 4, 2007, Allen passed 17,000 points for his career with his first of two [[Three-point field goal|3-pointers]] in overtime in a 98–95 victory against the [[Toronto Raptors]], in which he sank the game winning 3-pointer with three seconds remaining in overtime.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160821084658/http://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=271104028 Allen's last-second 3 caps milestone day as C's nip Raps], [[Associated Press]], November 4, 2007.</ref>

[[File:Ray Allen dribble.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Allen in 2008]]
On February 13, 2008, Allen was named as the replacement for injured [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|East]] [[NBA All-Star Game|All-Star]] [[Caron Butler]] of the [[Washington Wizards]], who was out with a left hip flexor strain, for the [[2008 NBA All-Star Game]] in [[New Orleans]]. While [[LeBron James]] was given the [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|All-Star MVP Award]], many analysts, including the [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]] commentators of the game, felt it should have gone to Allen, who scored 14 points in a stretch of 2 minutes and 30 seconds in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the East team.

On March 28, 2008, Allen was honored as the 3rd best of the 20 greatest players in franchise history during [[Milwaukee Bucks|Milwaukee]]'s ''40th Anniversary Team Celebration'', but could not attend the festivities because of the [[Boston Celtics|Celtics]]' game against the [[New Orleans Hornets]]. The [[Boston Celtics]] finished 66–16, and were the #1 seed in the [[2008 NBA Playoffs]]. The Celtics struggled in the first two rounds of the playoffs, losing every single away game, but maintaining an undefeated playoff record at home. The Celtics had defeated the #8 seeded [[Atlanta Hawks]] 4–3 and then defeated the #4 seeded [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] 4–3 as well. They advanced to the [[2008 NBA Finals]] after a 4–2 Conference finals series win over the [[Detroit Pistons]].<ref name=40years>Charles F. Gardner, [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=733376 Forward march: Dandridge proud of legacy he left with team] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330180024/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=733376 |date=March 30, 2008 }}, ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|JS Online]]'', March 28, 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.nba.com/bucks/features/40th_anniversary_main.html 40th Anniversary Main Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818152941/http://www.nba.com/bucks/features/40th_anniversary_main.html |date=August 18, 2009 }}, ''Bucks.com'', March 26, 2008.</ref><ref>Marc J. Spears, [http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2008/03/allen_left_mark.html Allen left mark with Bucks], ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', March 28, 2008.</ref>

On June 12, 2008, Allen would play all 48 minutes and contribute greatly with 19 points and 9 rebounds in what would become the largest comeback in NBA Finals history, with the Celtics coming back from a 24-point deficit at one point in the second quarter and a deficit as large as 20 in the third. In that game, Allen would make the game clinching layup with 16.4 seconds remaining to give the Celtics a 5-point lead and put the game away.

On June 17, 2008, in the series-ending [[2008 NBA Finals#Game 6|Game 6]] of the [[2008 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]], Allen tied an NBA Finals record with seven [[Three-point field goal|three-pointers]] in the Celtics' 131–92 victory over the [[Los Angeles Lakers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/06/18/allen_takes_care_of_business |title=Allen takes care of business |publisher=Boston.com |date=June 18, 2008 |access-date=March 29, 2012 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104002947/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/06/18/allen_takes_care_of_business/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With the victory, Allen secured his first NBA championship.

[[File:Allen jump shot.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Allen in 2009]]
On February 5, 2009, Allen was named as the All-Star replacement for [[Orlando Magic]] point guard Jameer Nelson. This marked Allen's ninth time on the All-Star team and the second straight year he had made it alongside teammates [[Kevin Garnett]] and [[Paul Pierce]].

On February 22, 2009, with his streak ending at 72, Allen broke the Celtics franchise record in consecutive free throws made previously set by [[Larry Bird]] (71).

In the first round of the 2009 playoffs against the [[Chicago Bulls]], game one proved to be tough for Allen. He ended up shooting 1–11 from the field, and the Celtics lost by two. In game 2 however, Allen nailed the game winning three-pointer at the end of regulation with two seconds left to cap off an impressive 30 point night.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20090420/CHIBOS/gameinfo.html |title=Bulls at Celtics Game Scoreboard |work=NBA.com |date=April 20, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604185046/http://www.nba.com/games/20090420/CHIBOS/gameinfo.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  In Game 6, despite a Boston loss, Allen managed to score 51 points. Boston ended up winning the series in 7 Games. He reunited with former teammate and co-captain of the [[Seattle SuperSonics]], [[Rashard Lewis]] in the conference semifinals, that time as opponents, however. After 4 games and a 2–2 series tie, his highest scoring game was a 22-point performance in a Game 2 victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2009050602 |title=Orlando Magic/Boston Celtics Box Score Wednesday May 6, 2009 |work=Yahoo! Sports |date=May 6, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721010334/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore?gid=2009050602 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Celtics went on to lose in seven games as they failed to defend their title.

==== 2009–2012: finals upset and 3-point record ====
On December 10, 2009, Allen scored 18 points to reach the 20,000 point total for his career.

On June 6, 2010, in Game 2 of the [[2010 NBA Finals]] in a 103–94 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, Allen set a then record for most three-pointers made in an NBA Finals game on 8–11 shooting to tie the series 1–1. He broke [[Michael Jordan]]'s record of six three-pointers in one half by hitting seven in the first half and had tied [[Scottie Pippen]] and [[Kenny Smith]]'s record for most three-pointers in one game in the NBA Finals by half time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-06-07 |title=Ray Allen's Record-Setting Night Gives Celtics Chance to Make History in Boston |url=https://nesn.com/2010/06/ray-allens-recordsetting-night-sends-celtics-back-to-boston-with-chance-to-make-history/ |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=NESN.com |language=en-US |archive-date=June 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621231943/https://nesn.com/2010/06/ray-allens-recordsetting-night-sends-celtics-back-to-boston-with-chance-to-make-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Allen also became the first player in NBA history to have two separate games of scoring at least seven three-pointers in the [[NBA Finals]]. The Celtics would win two of three games in Boston, before losing the last two games and the series in Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/300617013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208012135/https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/300617013|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 8, 2023|title=Bryant, Artest rally Lakers to 16th championship|work=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=June 18, 2020|access-date=February 20, 2023|location=Los Angeles}}</ref>

After becoming a free agent on July 1, 2010, Allen re-signed a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics on July 7 worth $20 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5362387 |title=Ray Allen gets 2-year deal to return to Boston Celtics |publisher=ESPN Boston |date=July 8, 2010 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=September 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925065531/http://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5362387 |url-status=live }}</ref>

During a game against the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] on February 10, 2011, Allen became the all-time NBA leader in total three-pointers made (2,562), surpassing [[Reggie Miller]]'s record of 2,560. The 35-year-old shooting guard finished the game with 20 points but the Celtics eventually lost 92–86.<ref>{{cite web |last=Forsberg |first=Chris |title=Ray Allen hits record-breaking 3-pointer |publisher=ESPN |date=February 11, 2011 |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6110819 |access-date=February 12, 2011}}</ref> In the [[2010–11 NBA season]] Allen was named to his tenth All-Star game alongside teammates [[Rajon Rondo]], [[Paul Pierce]] and [[Kevin Garnett]]. Also during All-Star Weekend, Allen competed in the [[Three-Point Shootout]], but lost to [[James Jones (basketball, born 1980)|James Jones]] of the [[Miami Heat]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2011 All-Star Game from Los Angeles- Celtics.com |website=[[NBA.com]] |url=http://www.nba.com/celtics/allstar2011/blog.html |access-date=May 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725094626/http://www.nba.com/celtics/allstar2011/blog.html |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

During the [[2011–12 NBA season]], Allen was privately frustrated with trade rumors in February, issues with teammate Rajon Rondo, and an ankle injury that ultimately required surgery in June 2012 to remove bone spurs.<ref name=signs-heat>{{cite news |author=Michael Wallace |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8156692/ray-allen-rashard-lewis-sign-miami-heat |title=Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis sign with Miami Heat – ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |date=July 11, 2012 |access-date=July 11, 2012 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211081451/https://www.espn.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/8156692/ray-allen-rashard-lewis-sign-miami-heat |url-status=live }}</ref> The Celtics lost in seven games to the Miami Heat in the 2012 Eastern Conference finals.<ref name="signs-heat" />

===Miami Heat (2012–2014)===

==== 2012–2013: second championship ====
Allen's initial plan in the summer of 2012 was to stay with the Boston Celtics. He was reportedly seeking a three-year, $24 million contract whereas the Celtics were offering a two-year, $12 million deal. Further internal discord with a bench role and a Rondo-focused approach led to Allen rejecting the Celtics and instead choosing to sign a two-year, $6 million deal with the Miami Heat.<ref>{{cite news |last=Conway |first=Tyler |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2763956-ray-allen-explains-decision-to-leave-celtics-for-heat-in-free-agency |title=Ray Allen Explains Decision to Leave Celtics for Heat in Free Agency |publisher=bleacherreport |date=March 13, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2022}}</ref> The Heat were limited to their [[mid-level exception]] amount of slightly more than $3 million per season.<ref name="signs-heat" />

During Allen's first season with the Miami Heat, he averaged 10.9 points per game and made 88.6% of his free throws while playing an average of 25.8 minutes per game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ray Allen |url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/ray_allen/ |work=NBA.com |access-date=May 5, 2013 |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110200020/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/ray_allen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 25, 2013, while playing Milwaukee in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs, Allen made his 322nd career three-pointer in the playoffs, which broke Reggie Miller's record for most three-pointers made in NBA playoff history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ray Allen tops Reggie Miller's NBA playoffs 3-point mark |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2013/04/25/ray-allen-reggie-miller-three-pointers-miami-heat-milwaukee-bucks-game-3/2114409/ |work=USA Today |date=April 26, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> Allen returned to his favorite #34 jersey upon joining the Heat.<ref name="ESPN" />

[[File:Ray Allen Heat.jpg|thumb|Allen in 2014]]
In Game 6 of the [[2013 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] against the San Antonio Spurs, as the Heat trailed by three points, Allen made a game-tying 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter to force overtime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr6XsZVb-ZE | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/tr6XsZVb-ZE| archive-date=2021-10-30|title=Ray Allen's AMAZING game-tying 3-pointer in Game 6! |author=NBA |publisher=YouTube |date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Having rallied from a 10-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, the Heat won in overtime 103–100 over the [[San Antonio Spurs]] and forced a seventh game in the series.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goodman |first=Joseph |title=Miami Heat escapes with Game 6 win over Spurs, forces Game 7 |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/19/3458667/miami-heat-escapes-with-game-6.html |work=Miami Herald |date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=June 19, 2013 |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619144717/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/19/3458667/miami-heat-escapes-with-game-6.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With the Heat leading 101–100, Allen stole the ball from [[Manu Ginóbili]] under the Spurs' basket and drew a foul with 1.9 seconds remaining in the overtime period. Allen made both ensuing free throws to put Miami up 103–100.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Tim |title=Allen comes up huge for Heat |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/allen-comes-huge-heat |work=bigstory.ap.org |date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015212632/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/allen-comes-huge-heat |url-status=dead }}</ref> Allen played 41 minutes in Game 6 off the bench and scored 9 points on 3-for-8 field goal shooting; his game-tying three-pointer was the only three-pointer he made in three attempts. Allen also had one defensive rebound and two assists.<ref>{{cite web |title=San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat – Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400467338 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 18, 2013 |date=June 18, 2013 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804131539/http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400467338 |url-status=live }}</ref> In Game 7, which the Heat won 95–88 to win its [[list of NBA champions|second consecutive championship]], Allen played 20 minutes off the bench. Although he made none of 4 field goal attempts and had 3 turnovers, Allen recorded 4 defensive rebounds and 4 assists.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400467339 |title=San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat – Box Score |publisher=ESPN |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=June 24, 2013}}</ref>

==== 2013–2014: final playing year ====
On June 29, 2013, Allen picked up his $3.23 million player option to stay with the Heat through the [[2013–14 NBA season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Allen Exercises Player Option |work=[[NBA.com]] |date=June 29, 2013 |url=http://www.nba.com/heat/news_recap/allen-exercises-player-option |access-date=June 30, 2013 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630202736/http://www.nba.com/heat/news_recap/allen-exercises-player-option |url-status=live }}</ref> During the regular season, Allen played in 73 games, starting 9 of them, averaging 9.6 points and shooting 37 percent from three-point range.  In the playoffs, Allen scored 19 points on 4–7 three-point shooting in game 4 of the conference semifinals against the [[Brooklyn Nets]]. Then in Game 3 against the [[Indiana Pacers]] in an Eastern Conference finals rematch, Allen hit four 3-point shots in the fourth quarter and put them up 2–1 in the series. The Heat won the series in six games to advance to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight year and Allen's second. The Heat faced the Spurs again in the [[2014 NBA Finals]], but they lost the series in five games.

===Retirement===
Allen became a free agent in the 2014 off-season, and after much anticipation of a return at some point during the 2014–15 season, he announced his decision to sit out the season and focus on 2015–16.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2015/03/04/ray-allen-wont-play-this-season-considers-comeback-in-2015-16/ |title=RAY ALLEN WON'T PLAY THIS SEASON, CONSIDERS COMEBACK IN 2015–16 |work=NBA.com |date=March 4, 2015 |access-date=March 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126122420/http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2015/03/04/ray-allen-wont-play-this-season-considers-comeback-in-2015-16/ |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, he did not end up joining a team. In July 2016, Allen began mulling a comeback, and admitted he was "intrigued" by the possibility of competing for another championship.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Luke |url=http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/07/ray-allen-considering-nba-comeback.html |title=Ray Allen Considering NBA Comeback |work=NBA.com |date=July 6, 2016 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-date=August 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810031202/http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/07/ray-allen-considering-nba-comeback.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The following month, Allen had talks with the [[Boston Celtics]] and the [[Milwaukee Bucks]] regarding a possible return,<ref>{{cite web |last=Amore |first=Dom |url=http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball/hc-ray-allen-basketball-camp-0807-20160806-story.html |title=Ray Allen Serious About NBA Comeback |work=Courant.com |date=August 6, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016}}</ref> but ultimately decided to officially retire on November 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Ray|title=Letter to My Younger Self|url=http://www.theplayerstribune.com/ray-allen-letter-to-my-younger-self/|website=The Players' Tribune|access-date=November 1, 2016|date=November 1, 2016}}</ref> In September 2018, Allen was inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Greer|first=Jordan|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/news/ray-allen-hall-of-fame-class-celtics-news-paul-pierce-kevin-garnett-rajon-rondo-relationship/536ndduzg1dj1afa80zf9jtuw|title=Ray Allen not expecting congratulatory call from ex-Celtics teammates before Hall of Fame induction|work=SportingNews.com|date=September 5, 2018|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> In February 2019, Allen played in the [[2019 NBA All-Star Game#Celebrity Game|NBA All-Star Celebrity Game]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/article/2019/02/06/2019-celebrity-game-participants-official-release |title=ESPN and NBA announce celebrity rosters and coaches for 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by Ruffles exclusively on ESPN |website=NBA.com |date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 24, 2019 |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206211407/http://www.nba.com/article/2019/02/06/2019-celebrity-game-participants-official-release |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2021, Allen was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|NBA's 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced|title=NBA 75th Anniversary Team announced|website=[[NBA.com]]|date=October 22, 2021|access-date=October 22, 2021|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022003548/https://www.nba.com/news/nba-75th-anniversary-team-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also named in the top 75 players by ''[[The Athletic]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/2991396/2021/12/02/nba-75-at-no-52-ray-allen-a-star-on-court-and-screen-woven-into-the-fabric-of-the-game-itself/|title=NBA 75: At No. 52, Ray Allen, a star on court and screen woven into the fabric of the game itself|work=theathletic.com|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307224342/https://theathletic.com/2991396/2021/12/02/nba-75-at-no-52-ray-allen-a-star-on-court-and-screen-woven-into-the-fabric-of-the-game-itself/|url-status=live}}</ref>