Should, and would, Pierce come back for a victory-lap season?
Should? No, nothing in it for either him or the team.
Would? He was pretty clear when he left about how much he’d miss Boston.
A whole season? No, but expect a one-day sign-and-retire ceremony when he’s finally done. He’s getting his number raised, no question.
So he’s shut the door on signing here? I agree totally that he’s the last Celtic who’ll wear #34.
God no. The Celtics need to move forward, not backward. No ill feelings toward Pierce but it would be awful for everyone involved. I’d be fine with a 1 day signing.
Why do you want him back, etv? He’s done in a year or two, if not already, and certainly before the team becomes a contender again.
I’m a sentimental sap. I believe that if he hadn’t torn his ACL, Rondo would’ve gone to the Nets with KG, allowing Pierce to play his whole career here. I have no illusions that he’d play beyond next year. I think we’re the same age, 36.
The Nets wanted Pierce because Garnett wouldn’t go to Brooklyn without him. Rondo wasn’t going to be included in that trade regardless - both for that reason and because as a younger and cheaper player, he’s a much more valuable trade piece. I’m not sure where Pierce is going, but some people feel he’ll wind up with Doc Rivers in LA. On the open market his salary would be much more than Boston wants to pay. He might take a lower salary to go to the Clippers, but that’s because he wants to be on a winning team and the Celtics are still in the early stages of rebuilding.
I think the Celtics’ new deal with Avery Bradley (four years and $32 million) pretty much takes care of their cap space.
Until the Rondo trade is done.