Brooklyn Nets veteran Paul Pierce reportedly appears unlikely to return to the Nets next season. One potential outcome, according to ESPN, is Pierce reuniting with Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers as a free agent in the offseason.
In the twilight of his career, playing for a team next season with a legitimate shot at a championship is the veteran's only concern. Brooklyn lasted five games in the second round of the playoffs, and unless the Nets can prove to Pierce they will be an improved team next season, the 36-year-old reportedly appears unlikely to re-sign in the offseason.
"The odds don't sound good of a Pierce return," ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk wrote on Wednesday. "Those in and around the Nets organization are unsure what Pierce will do. But it's only May. He has plenty of time to make up his mind. My guess is that Pierce will wait to see what the Nets can do to improve the roster. If the Nets are unable to make significant improvements, he could end up going elsewhere by mid to late July."
If Pierce does choose to become a free agent, the Clippers appear to be the likeliest destination for him.
"Should Pierce leave the Nets, he will probably only sign with (a) team that can contend for the NBA title. The favorite could be the Los Angeles Clippers as he is from the area and this move would allow him to reunite with head coach Doc Rivers," Nick Borges of ESPN wrote on Thursday.
Pierce averaged career-lows of 13.5 points in 28.0 minutes per game during the regular season. His numbers stayed about the same during the postseason, averaging 13.7 points in 30.7 minutes per game.
Whether teammate Kevin Garnett, who has one year left on his contract, returns could be another factor in Pierce's decision.
Pierce becomes a free agent on July 1.
