Grousbeck: 'Riles me up' to lose Allen to Heat

Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck joined Mut & Merloni on Monday to talk about Ray Allen's decision to spurn the Celtics and sign with the Heat.

Grousbeck said it caught him off guard when Celtics president Danny Ainge told him Allen had informed the team late last week that he was leaving for Miami.

"I was utterly surprised," Grousbeck said. "I knew there was some emotion involved. I respect Ray and I always will. … He's been a great Celtic and we'll never forget that.

"I was surprised, I wasn't utterly shocked. Let's face it: He was not necessarily going to start. He was not necessarily -- as Doc [Rivers] put it, he felt somehow that he was slighted possibly in the recruiting process this offseason. … If Doc's report is correct, Ray felt like he was second fiddle to first Avery Bradley and then Kevin Garnett. And also he decided to go to our arch-rivals for less than half the money, so be it."

Although the Celtics offered substantially more than the Heat, Grousbeck said Allen wanted more from Boston.

"There was a price tag put out there, it just wasn't one we could get to," he said.

With the Celtics set to add guard Jason Terry from the Mavericks and agreeing to terms on a new deal with Jeff Green, who missed all of last season after having heart surgery, Grousbeck voiced optimism for 2012-13. He also indicated that he expects another signing "in the next few days" (the C's are rumored to be after Rockets guard Courtney Lee).

"We are 24/7 trying to make this team dominant," Grousbeck said. "And I will say the one thing that has really got me smiling right now is reading people saying [Allen will] have a better chance for a ring down in Miami. We've added some talent, we've lost some talent, but I don't know anybody who can predict what's going to happen in the East next year, and I think we've gotten better."

Added Grousbeck: "We respect [Allen's] decision. I think it's fantastic, because it just riles me up that he went down to our arch-rivals for half-price -- what's that about? And I want to make it not an easier path to a ring. I want to make it a harder path to a ring, if I have anything to say about it."

For more highlights from the conversation, check the Green Street blog later in the afternoon. To hear the interview, go to the Mut & Merloni audio on demand page [1]. For more Celtics news, visit the team page at weei.com/celtics [2].