Speaking to ESPN’s Chris Forsberg, Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck said he’d not only like to have Paul Pierce back next season, but Kevin Garnett as well.
Per Forsberg:
"“I want to retire Paul’s number, but I don’t want to do it any time soon because I want him to keep playing for us, to be honest. I want KG back. I want Doc back. I’d love to have Rondo back. I just want to get them more help, that’s my going-in assumption.”"
Pierce of course, who is 35 (and will be 36 prior to the season), has hinted at potential retirement as has Kevin Garnett, who just turned 37.
That said – both Pierce and Garnett, despite their creaky knees, have continued to play well unlike many counterparts who’ve slowed down as they aged.
Pierce has an early termination clause in his contract for the upcoming 2013-14 season, which would allow him to opt out if so desires. If he doesn’t, he’ll be due over $15 million dollars in his final season under contract, though, the deal is only guaranteed for $4 million if the Celtics wanted to move on.
Garnett is due more than $12 million for the upcoming season as well as next, though, 2014-15 is not guaranteed.