National Basketball Association

Report: Paul Pierce to opt out, Celtics return next?

Published Jun. 27, 2015 12:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Justin Hathaway

Paul Pierce wore a Boston Celtics jacket to Derek Jeter’s final game. Now Pierce is using Jeter’s website to announce he’ll opt out of his Washington Wizards contract and becoming a free agent — opening the possibility of him wearing a Celtics jersey in a real game again.

The move had been reported earlier in the week, but Pierce’s confirmation Saturday immediately excited Celtics fans, who flooded The Players’ Tribune announcement with pleas for The Truth to come back to Boston.

The Celtics reportedly want Pierce, Kevin Love and Robin Lopez on board for next season, and all three will be available on the free agent market. But the C’s can expect competition for Pierce’s services from the Los Angeles Clippers, especially with Doc Rivers there.

Pierce will be 38 next season and, as his 14.6-point average in the playoffs shows, he still has plenty left in the tank. He’d also be a great mentor for a young Celtics roster that’s heavy on guards but lean on size and experience. Pierce, who played in Boston for 15 seasons and won an NBA title, would provide both.

More from NESN.com: