Paul Pierce Officially Opts-Out, Is He LA Bound?

Some good news came out Saturday for the Los Angeles Clippers as their target Paul Pierce officially opted out of his deal with the Washington Wizards. Pierce officially announced his decision to the Player’s Tribune.

Pierce has been a target for the Clippers since the 2013 season when Doc Rivers vacated his position as head coach of the Boston Celtics. The Truth and Kevin Garnett were rumored to be part of that deal that landed all three in Los Angeles but the NBA caught wind of that and essentially blocked that transaction.

As of today, Pierce is free to sign anywhere he so chooses. Unfortunately the cap-strung Clippers don’t have much money to offer the 37-year-old. They could offer their mini mid-level of $3.7M or the veteran’s minimum but would Pierce accept that? He’s coming off a solid playoff performance with the Wizards, which shows he still has some gas in the tank.

Rumors have continued to float around for Pierce itching to end his career in his hometown. Pierce is from the Inglewood area and it would be a fitting end to his 17-year NBA career. He’s already decided he will play his 18^th season, but where is the million dollar question. David Aldridge reports, “many around the league believe Pierce will do just that and finish his career back home in Los Angeles with the Clippers.”

It just so happens that LA is in dire need of a small forward. They have a gaping hole since they traded away Matt Barnes to Charlotte for Lance Stephenson. Stephenson is more than capable of playing the point, two-guard and three spot but according to Rivers, Lance will be used as a utility player off the bench.

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Pierce would instantly add some credibility to the Clippers’ roster. They would add a pure scorer that can create his own shot and someone who is not afraid of taking the “big” shot. At times the Clippers looked confused in the offense especially during the playoffs where they often had long scoring droughts that eventually led to their playoff exit.

The Clippers have other concerns before bringing in Pierce. Defensive player of the year candidate DeAndre Jordan is a free agent and is seeking a max deal. Will the Clippers succumb to his demands? Jordan will be pursued by multiple teams but fortunately the Clips can offer him an extra year and more money.

Jamal Crawford is rumored to be on the block as well. In order to sign Pierce, LA may have to part ways with their sixth-man unless Pierce takes a vets minimum to play for Doc. The Clippers will need to revamp their bench options because last season’s second unit was atrocious.

It’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Clippers. The Clippers logo got a facelift this season and we can expect the same for the roster. The team has a superstar duo in place with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Now it’s up to Doc to continue to add quality pieces around them. A starting five of Paul, J.J. Redick, Pierce, Griffin and Jordan is a nice way to start.

Next: DeAndre Jordan Is Giving LAC Too Much Anxiety