Paul Pierce still seems likely to stay put in Boston, but that is not stopping other teams from trying. The Brooklyn Nets, who reportedly were close to acquiring Pierce in a trade last season when the team was in New Jersey, have made another offer for the Celtics captain.
The Nets offered Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks and a first-round draft pick to the Celtics for Pierce, Yahoo! Sports reports. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge reportedly declined, asking for a “more substantial package” to move the franchise icon. It is believed the Celtics are unlikely to trade Pierce unless Kevin Garnett waives his no-trade clause to allow himself to be moved as well.
“The Celtics still highly value Pierce and it wouldn’t make sense to trade him for that kind of a package if they’re keeping Kevin Garnett,” a source told Adrian Wojnarowski.
Pierce, 35, is the Celtics’ leading scorer at 18.3 points per game, but his field goal percentage and player efficiency rating are in danger of falling to career lows. Humphries, 27, lost his starting spot and most of his playing time earlier this season as his production fell to 6.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Brooks, 24, is a second-year shooting guard out of Providence, but he has also spent time in the doghouse this season. His playing time has been slashed to fewer than 12 minutes per game.
As for the draft pick, the Nets are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference and would have the 20th pick if the standings held.
