Ainge has doubts about Pierce's future with the Celtics

[screwedupmaniac]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67555/20100629/ainge_hints_pierce_could_sign_elsewhere/

This is pretty interesting...if he has doubts about Pierce re-signing, that combined with reports of Del Negro being on the C's short list for coaches tells me quite a bit about what Doc's decision will probably be. If Pierce doesn't come back and signs a long term contract with a team like his hometown Clippers to finish off his career, Ray Allen certainly won't be coming back. We will be without a starting center for most of next season, and we're basically left with an aging PF and a PG in his youthful prime. It's frustrating that we're losing these players without getting anything back in return but cap space, but maybe Danny can work a miracle in free agency.

[Evantime34]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/67555/20100629/ainge_hints_pierce_could_sign_elsewhere/

This is pretty interesting...if he has doubts about Pierce re-signing, that combined with reports of Del Negro being on the C's short list for coaches tells me quite a bit about what Doc's decision will probably be. If Pierce doesn't come back and signs a long term contract with a team like his hometown Clippers to finish off his career, Ray Allen certainly won't be coming back. We will be without a starting center for most of next season, and we're basically left with an aging PF and a PG in his youthful prime. It's frustrating that we're losing these players without getting anything back in return but cap space, but maybe Danny can work a miracle in free agency.

I think if Paul and Ray leave, KG either demands a trade to a contender, retires or sits out the season with an "injury".

This would be the shame of all shames, to not have the big 3 retire in Celtics green.

[FrDrake]

This sounds like posturing before they renegotiate.  Pierce probably thinks he should have a 3 or 4 year extension worth 18 - 20 mil a year.  The Celtics likely don't want to extend him beyond 2012 when KG's deal runs out (and they'll have cap space.)  In the end, they'll work it out.  He's not going anywhere.

[Rondo2287]

I would probably throw up on the spot if PP signs somewhere else.  I can't really imagine the opening introductions without hearing, "Small forward from Kansas, The Captain, and The Truth!"

[Jon]

I doubt it.  The max he could get is what, 16.5 million elsewhere?  Is he really going to give up 5 million this year to try to sign an extension with a crappy team that might not even pan out?  I don't think so. 

[GreenFaith1819]

C'mon Now, Danny and Paul - get it Done! Sign Paul for a decent amount that won't tie us up financially...Paul's been a Great Player for us.

Is he worth 18-20 mil a year? I don't believe so...maybe 10-12 mil a year? Would Pierce be happy with that?

C'mon Danny don't blow it up..this team was maybe a Kendrick Perkins (and no Joey Crawford ) away from Banner 18 not even two weeks ago.

We've still got one more year in this group, I think.

[pearljammer10]

I have my doubts about Doc, but Pierce. I am fairly confident that he isnt going to be going anywhere. Especially with KG around. If Pierce opts out he isnt going to ask for a bank breaking deal, I think he will wanna take a slight pay cut to benefit this team.

[scootman]

if this is true i hope pierce pulls a nomar

[lon3lytoaster]

Lies. Lies and shennanigans.

[Greenbean]

I can live with Ray and KG leaving, but Pierce flying the coop would break my heart.

Unless we could get a max free agent to replace him and we win banner 18 immediately after which i think is still impossible.

[Jon]

At this point, I'd rather him just keep his current contract and the C's just give him a one year extension beyond that, even at the same money.  

[screwedupmaniac]

I doubt it.  The max he could get is what, 16.5 million elsewhere?  Is he really going to give up 5 million this year to try to sign an extension with a crappy team that might not even pan out?  I don't think so. 

If Pierce can get 16.5 mil somewhere else for 4-5 years, versus 20 mil for 2 years here, he's gonna take the longer term financial security. Pierce is awesome, but he's cocky as heck, and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he's thinking that he's got 4 dominant seasons left. I'm not willing to watch the C's get bound financially like that, and I'm sure that management isn't either.

[CelticsWhat35]

No need for Ainge to give Pierce an extension past Garnett's deal.  They need to have the cap flexibility to make sure Rondo doesn't go through his prime years on mediocre teams, which Pierce did.  And remember, it's more important to Pierce's legacy to remain a Celtic for life than it is for the Celtics to keep him for his entire career.  No matter what happens, Pierce will be a HOFer and get his # retired at the Garden.  But for him to be mentioned along with Bird, Russell, etc., he needs another ring and to finish his career as a Celtic.

[FallGuy]

This comment is from an interview from a week ago (a lifetime it seems) in advance of negotiations with the player. Not sure there's anything to see here or any conclusions to be drawn from it.

[WeMadeIt17]

I really hope Pierce opts out. Of course comes back but he would go down in Celtics history as not only one of the best players but one of the ones with most Celtic pride taking less money to let us sign ohhhh i dont know LEBRON!!! Come on Pierce be smart walk away with one or two more rings on your shooting hand.