Nets commentator believes Paul Pierce will return to Brooklyn, Garnett's future is uncertain

Brooklyn Nets play-by-play man for the YES Network, Ian Eagle, discussed the future of former Celtics Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett with Celtics Beat on CLNS Radio. His interview begins at the 35 minute mark of the embedded interview below.

Eagle expects that Pierce, who will become a free agent at the end of the season, will opt to stay in Brooklyn. While Pierce began the season very attached to his past in Boston, Eagle saw Pierce's attitude and demeanor change after his emotional return to the TD Garden in January, and believes that Paul received closure at this time and has since moved on. He currently embraces being a part of the Nets franchise, and has acclimated to life in New York:

"The emotional return to TD Garden did a lot for Paul to create some closure.  I really believe that."

"And [the Celtics] did just an incredible job honoring him, honoring Kevin Garnett...But it also allowed Pierce in particular to move on.  And he has since embraced the idea of being a part of this Brooklyn Nets franchise...He's just more at ease.  I think he's become himself again."

"To answer your question on the Pierce end -- I think he's going to be back.  I think he's going to end up signing a two-year deal and they'll pay him, and he'll get his money with the Nets."

Kevin Garnett is a different story though. Eagle believes that KG, who has been dealing with injuries, is going to have to do a bit of soul-searching this summer. It is uncertain whether he will retire or continue to play in the NBA:

"The Garnett storyline has yet to be written.  Physically this season has been taxing on him...It's been a challenging season for him -- dealing with the back issues."

"I think there's going to be a lot of soul searching on his part.  He's not the kind of guy that strikes me that's just going to hold on to get the paycheck.  If he can't bring anymore the way he's accustomed to...I could see KG retiring."

Whether Ian Eagle has inside information from the players that supports his statements, or whether his insights on Pierce and KG is just speculation will remain to be seen this summer.

Were you secretly hoping that Pierce might find his way back to the Celtics next season? Do you think Kevin Garnett should retire or stay in the NBA? Sound off in the comments below.

Listen to the full audio from Ian Eagle's interview (starts at around 35 minutes, runs about 3.5 minutes in length):