Paul Pierce opts out

[gileyal]

I don't know guys.

I would have loved to see Paul retire as a Celtic but the circumstances may have made it so that it's not the best case scenario for either Boston of Pierce.

If Paul signs with Boston for four more years, he'll have one more shot at a title and three years of rebuilding in which, simply by being the winner he is, he will be inadvertently hurting the rebuilding effort (cost a lot of money and bring in W's that lower our chance of getting in on the lottery).

If he finds an offer that will net him the money he deserves in a team which has a core than can be competitive for a title in the next 3 or 4 years (I can envision him joining Lebron somewhere if Wade and Bosh stay in Miami for example), I will be very happy for Paul and promise to support that team with all my heart so long as they have him.

On the Boston side, this will enable us to rebuild while letting one of the truly greatest players ever get the shots he deserves at a title - shots we unfortunately will not be able to give him after next year (and arguably even next year).

Sometimes the best ending for all sides isn't the storybook ending:(

[Jon]

I think the larger question is if any team is willing to give him a long term contract period.  Teams like NY and the Clippers who will likely miss out on big free agents might make a run at him.  But will they give him anything beyond a max 1-year deal and jeopardize their chances at a younger star next summer?  I'm not so sure. 

And if no one is going to give him a big 3-4 year deal, it should really help us.  Let's also remember that if a team came at him with a max 3-year deal, we could come at him with a 2-year deal probably worth close to that figure given our Bird rights. 

[Andy Jick]

I think the larger question is if any team is willing to give him a long term contract period.  Teams like NY and the Clippers who will likely miss out on big free agents might make a run at him.  But will they give him anything beyond a max 1-year deal and jeopardize their chances at a younger star next summer?  I'm not so sure. 

And if no one is going to give him a big 3-4 year deal, it should really help us.  Let's also remember that if a team came at him with a max 3-year deal, we could come at him with a 2-year deal probably worth close to that figure given our Bird rights. 

Yes, because there are stupid GMs aplenty out there...  Some teams will do anything...why?  Because they can.

[Jon]

I think the larger question is if any team is willing to give him a long term contract period.  Teams like NY and the Clippers who will likely miss out on big free agents might make a run at him.  But will they give him anything beyond a max 1-year deal and jeopardize their chances at a younger star next summer?  I'm not so sure. 

And if no one is going to give him a big 3-4 year deal, it should really help us.  Let's also remember that if a team came at him with a max 3-year deal, we could come at him with a 2-year deal probably worth close to that figure given our Bird rights. 

Yes, because there are stupid GMs aplenty out there...  Some teams will do anything...why?  Because they can.

True.  And I wouldn't underestimate the stupidity of New York.  After all this build up, if they get burned by the big names, they may very well just look to get Pierce to get a name. 

[ACF]

No matter what happens, I feel really good about the number 34 joining all those other great legends up there in the rafters one day. Paul earned it because he was instrumental in getting us a 'ship. I hope he decides to stay and that he is fair in his contract demands towards the organization. I don't see him getting another ring somewhere else. If PP stays in Boston, it could, if all goes well and the sun and the stars align just perfectly, earn him another ring here. I want to see him retire as a Celtic.

[RAcker]

I think the larger question is if any team is willing to give him a long term contract period.  Teams like NY and the Clippers who will likely miss out on big free agents might make a run at him.  But will they give him anything beyond a max 1-year deal and jeopardize their chances at a younger star next summer?  I'm not so sure. 

And if no one is going to give him a big 3-4 year deal, it should really help us.  Let's also remember that if a team came at him with a max 3-year deal, we could come at him with a 2-year deal probably worth close to that figure given our Bird rights. 

Yes, because there are stupid GMs aplenty out there...  Some teams will do anything...why?  Because they can.

True.  And I wouldn't underestimate the stupidity of New York.  After all this build up, if they get burned by the big names, they may very well just look to get Pierce to get a name. 

Agree with both of you.