Pierce might want out next year

[Professor of Rondology]

With all the $ we have guaranteed to Rondo, KG, Bass, Green, Jet, and Lee we are probably already over the cap for next off-season.  If I am correct about that, then the only way we could sign any FAs is with an exception.  So, if Danny can get Paul to take a pay cut it might make it easier for us to extend AB's contract while staying under the luxury tax (so that we can use the MLE on a FA), but it won't allow us to make any real moves.

I do not think the Captain's play is worth 15 m, but I would HATE to see Pierce on the back of another team's uniform.  Ray Allen was one thing; Paul would be another.
I know PP has said repeatedly that it's not about the money, so if taking less would allow the Celts to use the MLE he might be willing to do so. 

In reality, I don't think it will matter and we'll happily pick up that team option.  Pierce is significantly better than any player we might get with the MLE, and cap constraints mean that we won't be able to go out and use the 17 m from PP's deal on another player of equal caliber.

[heitingas]

If he decides to leave there are very few teams with capspace that would be able to offer him money he would like.

Maybe he fears he could get traded or simply cut, because he has a non guaranteed contract, I think Billups agreed to be traded to the Knicks (Melo trade) once the Knicks guaranteed his 14 million or so 2 seasons ago, that was the last holdup of the Melo deal at that time.

I think this is a message to Ainge, He wants to remain with the Celtics but he wants the final year fully guaranteed, or simply not waiving him before his contract becomes fully guaranteed.

[cman88]

we just re-signed everyone for AT LEAST the next 3 years....Pierce aint going anywhere.

[xmuscularghandix]

I think he's trying to get back some leverage, that team option must weigh on guys.

[RJ87]

I think Pierce just said what he always says, that basically if the team goes into a full rebuild, he is gone, if not, he would love to stay and battle for a title with KG, Jet, and Doc. It makes perfect sense to me. Why would he want to play with a bunch of rookies and a constantly petulant Rondo to fight for the 8th seed in his last year or two in the league?

Some guys just can't resist taking a shot at Rondo

Anywho... I don't know what the future holds for Paul. I truly hope he can help bring us Banner 18 and retires a Celtic. At the same time, I really hope he can be a more consistent factor for us this season. Over the past two seasons, he's been up and down. There's been nagging injuries and he's not getting the foul calls he used to. This season,  I'm just hoping he can tweak some aspects of his game that can help compensate for the decline in his abilities - maybe less ill advised iso's and more post play. I want the C's to guarantee the final year of his deal, but we need him to play this season like he's worth every last cent of that final $15,333,334.

[cman88]

I think Pierce just said what he always says, that basically if the team goes into a full rebuild, he is gone, if not, he would love to stay and battle for a title with KG, Jet, and Doc. It makes perfect sense to me. Why would he want to play with a bunch of rookies and a constantly petulant Rondo to fight for the 8th seed in his last year or two in the league?

Some guys just can't resist taking a shot at Rondo

Anywho... I don't know what the future holds for Paul. I truly hope he can help bring us Banner 18 and retires a Celtic. At the same time, I really hope he can be a more consistent factor for us this season. Over the past two seasons, he's been up and down. There's been nagging injuries and he's not getting the foul calls he used to. This season,  I'm just hoping he can tweak some aspects of his game that can help compensate for the decline in his abilities - maybe less ill advised iso's and more post play. I want the C's to guarantee the final year of his deal, but we need him to play this season like he's worth every last cent of that final $15,333,334.

Jeff Green will be the key here...if we can cut down Pierce's minutes hopefully we can avoid those nagging injuries and Pierce will have more energy in the game to go all out.

its worked well for KG last year with the 5-5-5 plan

[Ogaju]

much as been written about KG's 5-5-5 plan. Can someone explain it in more detail, and how many minutes a game did KG average last year.

[BballTim]

  Kind of odd that he says he wants to see what it's like to be a free agent for once in his career. He opted out of his contract before he signed his current deal, he was a free agent then.

[Neurotic Guy]

much as been written about KG's 5-5-5 plan. Can someone explain it in more detail, and how many minutes a game did KG average last year.

Tommy mentioned it ad nauseum last year.  It wasn't followed with precision, but the idea was simply 5-minutes playing followed by 5-minutes watching.  Essentually resulting in about 5 on, 5 off, 5 on, 5 off each half.  As you see, the numbers don't play out precisely, but he ended up playing about 30 minutes a game following a very approximate 5-5-5 -- yet always resulting in him being available to finish the game.

[kp4000]

Not surprised. Pierce, was almost traded to NJ last season, but the deal feel through. And if KG didn't re-sign, Pierce would of likely been traded. Remember, Ainge isn't a loyal or sentimental GM.

[Tgro]

I fully expect Pierce would retire before he put another jersey on. I think his legacy here is fully sealed and playing his entire career as a Celtic would further cement his standing with the fans. I think him and KG go at or very near the same time. I think both end their careers as Celtics.

I also think this year is very telling for Pierce. He had great moments this past season, but he didn't look like as much of a force as in years past. He struggled at times a lot and his get up was slow at times especially after missed shots. I hope he comes in more physically fit out of the gate this season. On Facebook I've been seeing his page posting pics of him working out. He came into last season injured and out of shape. It took him awhile to get going. This is why I think this season means a lot. Another struggling year to get in to gear, I think he retires. A good season, I think he hangs as long as KG. Playing with another team? I seriously doubt he wants to tarnish his Celtic legacy in any way. He's going to retire as one of our greatest legends and those types don't go out wearing another uniform.

[blastoidesroidsnoids]

we all know he isnt saying this bleep a tron ok

[lightspeed5]

is pierce expendable as a trade asset now that we have green?

[European NBA fan]

Pierce also mentioned that he more or less expected, that KG wouldn't resign with the Celtics, and that he would be traded himself after this season. So he is probably just trying to stay prepared for anything.

I believe that he wants to retire a Celtic along with his friend KG. But if KG for some reason decides to retire, and Paul Pierce feels that he can play on, he would probably want to be a free agent.

[colincb]

I think Pierce just said what he always says, that basically if the team goes into a full rebuild, he is gone, if not, he would love to stay and battle for a title with KG, Jet, and Doc. It makes perfect sense to me. Why would he want to play with a bunch of rookies and a constantly petulant Rondo to fight for the 8th seed in his last year or two in the league?

This, although I don't know that the Rondo reference is relevant.  Pierce wants to contend.  If KG had retired, I thought PP might have asked for a trade rather than retire.  He's a gym rat, so it would have been tough for him to hang them up if he still thinks he can play (and neither he nor KG want to rebuild no matter how loyal they are at their core - they've paid their loyalty dues in spades).