Come back, Ray.

The Ray Allen saga continues. Though he has maintained conversations with the Boston Celtics, he has also been in contact with other top free agents about the possibility of joining them. (CBS Sports)

Allen’s conversations with Celtics brass have been “productive and cordial,” the person said. But Allen, like other free agents, can’t have a complete picture of his value or the best situation for him until the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh decide where to sign. It is not clear whether Allen, 34, has spoken with those players, but a person close to one high-profile free agent said Allen has been in contact via text message as the Big Three try to assemble a supporting cast for next season and beyond.

“I don’t think Player X has asked him, ‘If I sign here, will you come with me?’” the person said. “It hasn’t been in any formal way, but they’ve been in contact.”

Allen also has received “general inquiries” from several teams, including those with significant cap space, including the Heat, Bulls, Knicks and Nets, one of the sources said. The Celtics have been informed that Allen would prefer not to make a decision until the so-called cap-room teams find out which players they’ll be able to attract.

Ray might drag this thing out for awhile. As I’ve said a thousand times, he’s the perfect complementary player to any star. He doesn’t need the ball, he drains threes, and if his teammates require a double-team Ray will make opponents pay. If any of the Lebron/Wade/Bosh trio team up, Ray’s best chance for a championship could be alongside them.

We’re going to see a real test of Ray’s loyalty in the coming days (or weeks). He doesn’t have the same ties to Boston that Pierce has, but Boston is where Ray first won a championship. He’s become like brothers with his teammates. Those things have to count for something, right?

Come back, Ray. We need you.