NBA CHAMPIONS THE Miami Heat have prized away free-agent Ray Allen, despite a bigger offer from his former club, the Boston Celtics.

Allen spent the last five seasons with the Celtics and won a championship in 2008, but is believed to have accepted a mid-level offer of $3.09 million a season from the Heat, while turning down almost double that – $6 million a season – from Boston.

The 36-year-old met with Miami officials on Thursday before making his decision on Friday, which Heat owner Micky Arison confirmed via social media.

“Its 2:30am in London and I was just woken up with great news. Welcome to the family #20!!” Arison tweeted.

Allen’s agent, James Tanner, confirmed the news soon after according to reports from the Associated Press.

Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade had been aggressive in their attempts to lure the veteran all week, with Allen’s final decision coming down to greater prospects of winning another championship.

Allen, a 10-time All-Star, averaged 14.2 points and 3.1 rebounds for the Celtics last season.

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