Paul Pierce wants to finish his NBA career where it all started.
The Los Angeles Clippers forward, who recently announced the 2016-17 NBA season will be his last, told SiriusXM Radio on Wednesday he plans to retire with the Boston Celtics.
Celtics fans probably won’t see Pierce actually take the court in Boston, as he’ll likely play out the full campaign with Los Angeles, then sign a one-day contract with the C’s after the season ends. Clippers coach Doc Rivers also hinted at that possibility back in July.
Yet Pierce retiring with the C’s still is fitting. The 10-time All-Star spent the first 15 seasons of his career in Boston, taking the Celtics to the playoffs 10 times and winning an NBA championship in 2008. He’s the team’s all-time leader in made 3-pointers, free throws and steals and is second on Boston’s all-time scoring list behind Hall of Famer John Havlicek.
The 38-year-old also is the last member of the Big Three still playing, as Kevin Garnett announced his retirement in September and Ray Allen currently is a free agent. Pierce averaged 6.1 points per game for the Clippers last season.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
