Time for Bucks to trade Ray Allen.

Byline: Michael Hunt

MILWAUKEE _ For seven seasons, Ray Allen has served and represented the Milwaukee Bucks like few before him. The three-time all-star and soon-to-be two-time Olympian has willfully and joyfully played for the kind of low-profile franchise typically shunned by those of his standing, never complaining that his acting career or his endorsement possibilities might be better accommodated elsewhere.

The criticisms of his perceived softness and weak defensive play aside, Allen has distinguished himself in all other on-court endeavors. Off the floor, no one could ask for a better ambassador for a franchise or a city.

In his early years, he lived in an eastside duplex and indulged in the simpler pleasures of an unpretentious town. After signing a six-year contract without an agent, he bought a house in Mequon and became one of the few Bucks in recent memory to establish year-round residency. He has never embarrassed the organization with his behavior, and it's unlikely this market will ever see a more accommodating, thoughtful and truthful interview subject.

While everything about Ray Allen screams "Buck for life," the organization will one day be faced with one of its most difficult decisions. The suggestion here is that the Bucks, for the good of the franchise, should trade Allen before his $71 million contract expires at the end of the 2004-`05 season.

For one thing, the Bucks already have Allen's successor in place. Michael Redd is a star in waiting, ready to assume a major role when his chance arrives. Redd is aggressive, plays hard on both ends of the floor and shoots three-pointers like few in the league. He also has something Allen does not, and that is a bargain-basement contract.

Although Dallas caused owner Herb Kohl short-term pain by subjecting him to the luxury tax when it signed Redd to an offer sheet several months ago, the Mavericks did the Bucks a long-term favor. At $12 million for four years, Redd's ...