Does Kevin Love opting out open the door for Paul Pierce's return to Celtics?


Earlier this afternoon we got some news from habitual bomb dropper Adrian Wojnarowski. Not only are the Celtics linked to a true impact player who just declared he'll enter free agency, but former Celtic Paul Pierce could do a sunset walk off in green if the Celtics are able to land Love.


How realistic is it that Love leaves money on the table from a Cavaliers team that looks to be a title contender for years to come with Kyrie Irving and Lebron James? Well, maybe more realistic than you think. Lebron James, who may or may not be a player coach/GM, isn't going to recruit Love to stay.

Interesting. Whether or not Love believes playing with Lebron is special, there is the issue of money. Love could definitely look to sign a one year deal as a free agent, reestablish his value as a franchise player, and then go for his big pay day next summer. Or, there's the option of a sign and trade as Grantland's Zach Lowe reported:

Griffin has repeatedly said the Cavs plan to keep Love, but plugged-in executives around the league continue to predict the Cavs will sign-and-trade Love after advancing so far without him.

So if Love is available one way or another, that could open the door for a Pierce return. Pierce hasn't been shy about expressing his desire to come back to Boston in some capacity, and his history with the team might yield opportunities here that wouldn't be available to him elsewhere:

After watching Celtics fans become Wizards fans this postseason, bringing back Pierce would reignite the Celtics' fan base and help transition the Celtics back into contention. Paul Pierce hitting another game winner in the Garden would probably burn the place down. Yes, it's a completely insane rumor. But Love outletting to Pierce for a pull-up three and the win has to happen. And, I mean, really why even stop there.

Let's get the band back together to hoist up Banner No. 18!


Photo Credit: AP

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