Paul Pierce is headed for NBA free agent market after reportedly opting out of the final year of his contract with the Washington Wizards, according to USA Today. The decision, which was not unexpected, allows Pierce to explore other options, potentially reuniting with head coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Paul Pierce will opt out of Wizards contract, according to report
If Paul Pierce doesn’t return with Washington, he’ll be joining back up with Doc Rivers in Los Angeles, according to reports.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Pierce was due to make $5.5 million next season. Washington could offer Pierce a 20 percent pay raise, up to $6.6 million, to return. If he goes to Los Angeles, he would likely play under the mini-midlevel exception, worth roughly $3.4 million.
The trade off in money is that Pierce may have a better chance to contend for another NBA title with the Clippers, a team that won 10 more games than the Wizards during the regular season. Rivers' presence is also a draw, as is returning to the city where he grew up.
A report by the Washington Post indicated that Pierce is only considering the Clippers and Wizards in free agency. The fact that Pierce opted out of his contract seemingly doesn’t bode well for another season in Washington, though the veteran has been open about the fact that he enjoyed mentoring the team’s young core and guiding it to the playoffs.
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