Sources: Celtics' Pierce opting out

[JamStone]

i gotta believe he re-signs with the Boston Celtics for a ridiculous extension. He's walking away from a guaranteed $21.5 million next year. And regardless of how good he is anymore, guaranteed that Pierce still considers himself the "best player on the planet." I'm guessing he has an understanding with the Celtics for a pretty big extension. If not, he's going to be sorely disappointed for walking away from that guaranteed money next season, because I can't see another team giving him anything close to being worth walking away from $21.5 million for one year, even looking at the pending new CBA.

[Shank]

That quote from Ainge gives pause to the thinking the Celtics would break the bank for him. What is Rondo's contract situation? Is he up soon, as well?

[Chieflion]

That quote from Ainge gives pause to the thinking the Celtics would break the bank for him. What is Rondo's contract situation? Is he up soon, as well?

Rondo is already extended with a 5 year, 50 million contract, I think.

[Mel_13]

With Pierce opting out and Sheed retiring, the only players under contract for the Celts are KG, Rondo, Perkins, and Big Baby. They could be a much different team next year. If so, they got a nice return on their investment in KG and Ray.

[JamStone]

That quote from Ainge gives pause to the thinking the Celtics would break the bank for him. What is Rondo's contract situation? Is he up soon, as well?

I agree but there's a chance that it's just media rhetoric.

I just find it hard to believe for Pierce to walk away from over $20 million guaranteed when his market value is much less, even if it's for a longer term contract. So I have to believe one of three things: 1) he has a deal in place with the Celtics, 2) he's really delusional about how much he's still worth in the open market, or 3) he has an idea that there is a really goofball franchise that is going to pay him $20+ million a year for four years, perhaps as mentioned the Clippers.

I guess #2 and #3 is possible, but WOW! if they are.

[bostonguy]

kg's contract is so toxic they cant even rebuild if they wanted to

They can rebuild as early as February. Kg is on the books for 2 more years. Next summer, he will be a big fat expiring deal.

[sook]

he sucks. him

[spursfan1000]

This is smart on his part. Paul will likely get to sign a longer term deal worth more money. Maybe the Spurs will do a sign and trade if the Cetlics are not interested in giving a max contract, if that is indeed what he is after.

Either way I like Paul Pierce and if Doc is leaving then the Celtic's ship is sinking. Doc will leave, Sheed will retire, Ray Allen will be gone and Pierce will have signed with a team willing to spend. KG will feel like he's back in Minny again.

At Pierce's age, no thanks.