A trade sending Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett seems increasingly likely Monday afternoon, but will Paul Pierce join his fellow Celtics counterparts in Los Angeles next season? The future Hall of Fame forward isn't a part of the current deal involving the Clippers, but ESPN's Marc Stein says that "league-wide expectation is he will wind up" with the team.
Will Paul Pierce join Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett in Los Angeles if trade happens?
The Clippers seem intent on landing Paul Pierce once they complete a deal for his Celtics colleagues.
Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE
Even though there’s not a possible way for Pierce and KG to fit into the same package deal which will result in Doc taking over as Clippers coach, Stein notes some alternative possibilities. Given that Pierce’s roughly $15 million salary for next season is only partially guaranteed, some team could acquire Pierce and then release him to gain the salary cap savings.
If that doesn’t work out, the Celtics could always buy out him themselves, letting Pierce hit unrestricted free agency. In either scenario, he would then have the freedom to negotiate a contract with the Clippers.
Should this whole scenario play out, it's likely the Clippers will be one of the top teams in the league going into next season. Armed with Garnett, Pierce, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, Los Angeles would be in complete win-now mode. Still, as we saw in that very city this season with the Lakers, a great roster on paper during the offseason doesn't always lead to success on the court.
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