2014 NBA Free Agency Rumors & Predictions: Paul Pierce Could Consider Signing With Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, or LA Lakers
The Brooklyn Nets were eliminated in the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, which eventually created speculations about the future of veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
Reports indicated that Garnett and Pierce, who was acquired by the Nets in a blockbuster deal last summer, might not return to Brooklyn after their failed title bid this season.
ESPN reported that if Garnett decides to retire, Pierce, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, will consider signing elsewhere.
Sources indicated that Garnett is considering walking away from his $12 million guaranteed contract next season, which will likely force Pierce to consider other options.
According to reports, Pierce, who averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in what could be his lone season in Brooklyn, is reportedly interested in signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, and reuniting with his former coach, Doc Rivers.
"If Garnett decides it's time to stop, Pierce is bound to be intrigued even more by the scenario that is said to be on his radar already: Reuniting with Doc Rivers in Clipperland in what would also be a homecoming for the Los Angeles native," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Clippers will also be interested in signing the 16-year veteran, considering the fact that they have one of the deepest rosters, if not the deepest, in the league at this point.
And if the Clippers decide not to make a run at signing Pierce this summer, the 36-year-old forward will reportedly consider returning to Boston Celtics or playing for his other home-town team, the Los Angeles Lakers.
"Pierce could also elect to return to Boston as a free agent to set himself up to retire a Celtic, or maybe even sample life back home as a Laker, or pick out another one of the many teams bound to be interested in his veteran know-how," Stein wrote.
The Nets are still in the running as well. General manager Billy King said in an interview with ESPN New York that he will talk to Pierce, along with Garnett in the next few days.
"We'll talk again," King said. "There's no need for an answer now. Paul is a free agent and obviously we want him back. So come July 1, we'll start that process. I'm not writing those guys off that they're not coming back."