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    Ray Allen Says Returning to 2013 NBA Finals Validates Decision to Leave Celtics

    Dan Favale@@danfavaleX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJune 4, 2013

    MIAMI, FL - JUNE 03: Ray Allen #34 of the Miami Heat smiles as he celebrates with the Eastern Conference Championship trophy against the Indiana Pacers during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at AmericanAirlines Arena on June 3, 2013 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
    Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

    Ray Allen is sorry he's not sorry.

    Now heading back to the NBA Finals as a member of the Miami Heat, Allen doesn't regret abandoning the Boston Celtics last summer.

    Immediately following Miami's Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers, he admitted to Sean Deveney of Sporting News that spurning Beantown was, in fact, the right decision:

    When we sat down and we talked about it, we being my family and the people that supported me over my life, we talked about being selfish and giving ourselves the best opportunity to win. We wanted to win, we didn’t want to be in a situation where we were going to struggle. Sitting here in this situation, it’s a great relief. Because sometimes you take a gamble. Your family believes in you, and we’re here and I can say that we’re in the situation we put ourselves in and we’re happy with it.

    This comes on the heels of an unfounded report that suggested Allen was planning to opt out of his deal with the Heat to return to the Celtics next season.

    Allen doesn't sound like a man looking to escape his current situation, let alone escape it for what would await him in Boston. Of course, the season's not even over and free agency has yet to begin. A reunion with the Celtics isn't impossible.

    It's just not likely. Or even close to likely.

    Sunny Miami has washed over Allen, providing a "great relief." He wanted to win another championship, and the Heat are in a position to get him that ring.

    Why then would he leave Miami for Boston after this season? Especially if the Heat win another title?

    Ray Allen Says Returning to 2013 NBA Finals Validates Decision to Leave Celtics
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    He wouldn't. And he won't.

    Parting ways with the Heat after this season would mean only one thing: Allen is retiring. Not leaving for Boston, but leaving the game entirely.

    "We know that we can see the end of the road,” said Allen of himself and his family.

    Whether that road ends with this season or the next or the one after that remains to be seen. Just know that it doesn't end with him in a Celtics jersey.