National Basketball Association

Paul Pierce officially makes Wizards his third NBA team

Published Jul. 17, 2014 6:31 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Washington Wizards have officially signed veteran forward Paul Pierce.

Pierce, who turns 37 in October, spent 15 seasons with the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets last season.

''We are very happy to welcome Paul to our organization and add his championship experience and history of clutch play to our team,'' Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said in a statement.

Pierce averaged a career-low 13.5 points last season in his first year with the Nets. But he is a 10-time All-Star who has gained a reputation as one of the best big-moment players in the league

Led by guards John Wall and Bradley Beal, Washington reached the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, their first postseason appearance since 2008.

''He will be a good fit alongside our young, dynamic backcourt while his presence and leadership will make a difference for us both on and off the court,'' Grunfeld said of Pierce.