Rumor: Paul Pierce might opt out of contract with Wizards to sign with the Clippers

In a column yesterday for NBA.com, David Aldridge suggested Paul Pierce may be interested in joining Doc Rivers' Clippers in Los Angeles.  Pierce's current contract with the Wizards includes a player option for next season.  While discussing the Clippers' plans, Aldridge writes:

Maybe Paul Pierce will walk away from the second year of his deal ($5.5 million) in Washington in order to finish his career in his hometown, playing for his old Celtics coach and his former teammate-turned-Clippers assistant Sam Cassell for less money.

And on the Wizards:

The Wizards could stand pat if Pierce decides to return to D.C. next season rather than opt out of his deal, but many around the league believe Pierce will do just that and finish his career back home in Los Angeles with the Clippers.

A lot of things about this make sense.  Pierce could reunite with Doc, play where he grew up, and chase one more title.  Two months ago, Rivers also raved about how much good basketball Pierce has left in him.

However, this theory almost certainly hinges on L.A. re-signing free-agent DeAndre Jordan.  Barring that (or another move that keeps the Clippers in contention), why wouldn't Paul just come back here?



Follow Mark Vandeusen on Twitter @LucidSportsFan