Report: Beal's injury hasn't changed anything for Ray Allen

The math now makes even more sense than it did before: the Washington Wizards, a second-tier contender in the Eastern Conference and woefully thin at shooting guard, would like to sign veteran marksman Ray Allen.

With Bradley Beal expected to miss six weeks following surgery to repair a fractured wrist, the team's depth at the position is non-existent. Unfortunately for the Wizards, though, nothing has changed in Allen's accounting as a 39-year-old free agent, according to a report from CSN Washington:

I talked with a person close to him Friday who told me nothing has changed. The Wizards have contacted Allen's representatives at Tandem Sports and Entertainment several times, both reported here. The prospect of being a starter again with Beal's absence isn't likely to make Washington any more enticing for Allen.
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The Wizards are still hopeful, but suffice to say the Cavs are the front-runners as GM David Griffin has been in contact as recently as a few days ago, CSNwashington.com can confirm. Still, nothing.

Some have suggested Allen may wait until later in the season to sign with a team, when the title contention picture is more clear and he can pick the appropriate home. Beal's injury makes the Wizards more in-need, but they can't express that to Allen with a larger offer because they're over the salary cap and pushing dangerously close to the luxury tax.

That proximity to the luxury tax makes signing a player to a veteran's minimum deal a likely option for Washington, as using their $4.3-million trade exception could push them into the tax. The CSN Washington report also indicates a panic trade is unlikely, as Beal's injury is viewed as a short-term issue (and possibly because Martell Webster returning later in the season will help with the long-term depth issue).

While Allen appears to be a nice fit in Washington, both now and as a mentor to the oft-compared Beal, his landing there seems a tenuous proposition. Blame Paul Pierce, maybe.