The forward reiterated that when his career does end, he wants it to be with the Celtics -- even if they trade him and he has to come back on a one-day contract.
NEW YORK – Before the current Boston Celtics season ends, important questions are being asked about the team's future.
Prior to a shootaround Wednesday morning at Madison Square Garden, Paul Pierce indicated that he doesn't plan to retire after this season. The forward reiterated that when his career does end, he wants it to be with the Celtics -- even if they trade him and he has to come back on a one-day contract.
"Right now it's just year by year," he said. "I expect to play another year next year, then evaluate after that."
"I've always said I want to end my career as a Celtic," he continued. "But they're the ones – I have a year contract for next year, but it's not (fully) guaranteed, so the decision is in their hands. But whatever decision they make – maybe if they trade me somewhere, or I end up somewhere else – maybe it could be a situation where I come back for a one-day deal (to retire)."
Only $5 million of Pierce $15.3 million contract is guaranteed, so the Celtics could theoretically buy out his contract. More likely, it seems, since buying out a legend would be crass, Boston could look to find a trade partner. Despite Pierce's age, his contract and remaining skills could lead to a decent-sized market. Not that it was a great offer (or even close), but the Brooklyn Nets reportedly were willing to offer a package that included Marshon Brooks, Kris Humphries and a first-round pick for Pierce prior to the trade deadline.
Pierce said he hasn't thought too much about his future, but trusts that whatever happens will be in his best interests.
"I've always been a guy that's said things happen for a reason," he said. "I was a No. 10 pick, I didn't anticipate that. I just always feel like throughout my whole career, everything is going to fall into the right place for me.
"So I don't really put much thought into after the season, but I know at the end of the day – whatever they do, whatever I do – it's going to fall into the right place for me."