Paul Pierce Still Plans To Play If Bought Out

Paul Pierce may have played his last game as a Celtic after Boston dropped Game 6 to Knicks on Friday night. Pierce has made it clear he wants to retire wearing green, but regardless of whether the Celtics buyout his contract—which has a reasonable $5 million team option—he plans to play next season. Per ESPN: “Asked if he expected to be back in Boston next season, 35-year-old Pierce said that was a question for the Celtics’ front office. ‘That’s up to [Celtics president of basketball operations] Danny [Ainge] and them,’ said Pierce. ‘I have no idea.’ Pierce reiterated that he’ll return for a 16th NBA season, whether it’s in Boston or elsewhere. He was asked if a healthy Rajon Rondo and Jared Sullinger would be enough to boost Boston back to title contenders. ‘That’s a decision for the management,’ said Pierce. ‘Who knows what the future [holds]? I’ve been here 15 years and I’ve seen a lot of changes each and every year. So I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of changes here and we’ll see what happens.'”