Paul Pierce is in control of his future, and he may choose to continue playing basketball with a new team.
Pierce signed with the Washington Wizards as a free agent last year and had an excellent season with them. He fit in seamlessly and provided much-needed leadership that helped the franchise reach the Eastern Conference semifinals in the playoffs. He talked crap, gave his teammates confidence, criticized them and motivated them, and then he delivered by nailing clutch shots in the postseason.
Though Pierce seemed to really enjoy his time with the Wizards, there is speculation that he may opt out of his contract with them (he has a $5.5 million player option) and possibly sign with the Clippers.
From NBA.com’s David Aldridge:
Maybe Paul Pierce will walk away from the second year of his deal ($5.5 million) in Washington in order to finish his career in his hometown, playing for his old Celtics coach and his former teammate-turned-Clippers assistant Sam Cassell for less money.
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Washington’s main issue is complacency. The Wizards could stand pat if Pierce decides to return to D.C. next season rather than opt out of his deal, but many around the league believe Pierce will do just that and finish his career back home in Los Angeles with the Clippers.
Keep in mind that this is just speculation from “many around the league” and that there is no source saying Pierce plans to opt out. However, Pierce has said in the past that he really wanted to sign with the Clippers last year and that timing was the only issue. Even though his year in D.C. didn’t seem like it could have gone much better, he might have an urge to return home.
