Paul Pierce and Wizards are a perfect fit, but The Truth has options
After the way his season ended, Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce is understandably in a lot of pain. He's not even sure that he wants to play again next season. But if he does, the Wizards should be hoping that he opts into his current contract.
Pierce reportedly has a player option for just less than $5.5 million, which would be a bargain for the versatility The Truth provided to Washington this season. Yes, his numbers were down in the regular season. But that's deceptive; Wizards coach Randy Wittman kept Pierce and Washington's small-ball lineups under wraps for the first 82 games in order to preserve his secret weapon and make sure that Pierce was ready for the playoffs. It's a role Pierce could likely fill once again next year, even if he's a little bit older.
“I’d love him back,” Wittman said after Game 6, according to the Washington Times. “I think he wants to be back. I don’t know, I’m putting words in his mouth. I’d be surprised if he didn’t. I think what he saw with these guys and the heart this team has, why wouldn’t you want to play the end of your career with a group like that?”
After his fantastically clutch postseason, however, Pierce will have his choice of title-contending teams looking to fill out their rosters should he opt out. And, of course, the option of retirement is still on the table. For now, Washington will wait and hope that the pain turns to motivation one more time for Pierce.
(h/t Washington Times)
Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/USA Today Sports
