Immediately after the Washington Wizards’ heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, it seemed like veteran forward Paul Pierce was about to call it a career.
Considering how Washington lost that game, this could have very well been a snap judgement by Pierce.
NBA.com’s David Aldridge is now reporting that the feeling around the NBA is that Pierce will opt out of his contract and sign with his hometown Los Angeles Clippers.
“Washington’s main issue is complacency,” the NBA scribe reported. “The Wizards could stand pat if Pierce decides to return to D.C. next season rather than opt out of his deal, but many around the league believe Pierce will do just that and finish his career back home in Los Angeles with the Clippers.”
Pierce, who is set to earn a little over $5.5 million next season, was linked to the Clippers a lot last summer before signing with Washington. It’s long been said that he’d like to finish his career in Southern California.
Piece, 37, had a throwback campaign for Washington this year, tallying 11.9 points per game and shooting 39 percent from the field. If he were to end up with the Clippers, it would either be to back up Matt Barnes at the small forward position or take over for Barnes altogether.
Photo: USA Today Sports