With Doc Rivers deciding to return to the Celtics next season, and Boston close to re-signing Paul Pierce to a four-year deal, a source said Saturday night that there is a "possibility" that veteran forward Rasheed Wallace could re-think his decision last month to retire after 15 NBA seasons. The Celtics believed Wallace would retire after the team's seven-game Finals loss to the Lakers, and he appeared to make the decision final a week or so later.
Because Wallace had two years and $13 million (including $6.32 million next season) remaining on his deal when he retired, the Celtics have been looking into moving his contract to another team, which would then get the savings from Wallace's cap number, in exchange for assets. But obviously, if Wallace decides to play next season, that team wouldn't get the money off of its cap.
Link.
I have mixed feelings about this. I like what Rasheed brings to the table when he's healthy and motivated. On the other hand, I'm fairly excited with the possibilities of having up to $9.9 million in cap flexibility (assuming a retiring Rasheed, Gaffney, and LaFayette could be included in a trade.)
Maybe we'll get the best case scenario: Rasheed says he's retiring, moves to another team where he's bought out for nothing (ala Derek Fisher), and then he decides to come back for the playoffs. (Although one wonders what type of shape Rasheed would be in after taking the regular season off.)