Los Angeles Clippers rumors: Doc Rivers speaking with Paul Pierce
Just a year ago, the Boston Celtic officially ended their recent run that included two finals appearances and an NBA Title in 2008.
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They lost head coach Doc Rivers to the the Los Angeles Clippers and traded swingman Paul Pierce and big man Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets. Before both players were sent to the Nets, there were several reports they’d be joining Rivers with the Clippers but ultimately it did not work out.
This year, Rivers may get his way with one of them. Garnett is owed $12 million for the 2014-2015 so if he does return rather than retire this season, he will be doing so with the Nets. Pierce, however, is an unrestricted free agent.
If the Clippers do acquire Pierce, they may have to do it through a sign-and-trade. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles and Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York, the Clippers have “engaged the Nets” regarding a potential sign-and-trade that would send Pierce to Los Angeles but nothing is imminent.
Although Pierce played at Kansas and has spent his entire career in the northeast, he is from Inglewood, California.
Pierce has also garnered interest from the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers.
Pierce averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field, 37.3% from the three and 82.6% from the free throw line last season. Pierce was originally drafted by the Celtics with the 10th-overall pick in the first round of the 1998 NBA Draft. In his career, he has averaged 21.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 44.7% from the floor, 37.0% from beyond the arc and 80.7% from the charity stripe.