Could This Be Pierce's Final Year In Boston?

It seems like it is unlikely, but there's a chance that the Celtics and Paul Pierce could be in their last year together.

Pierce adjusts plans - The Boston Globe

This season may be Pierce’s final year in Boston. He has one year on his contract with a team option for 2013-14. He said he has no plans of asking for an extension. since Garnett, Terry and Bass are signed to three-year deals. "I think I am going to play this one out," he said. "I want to see what it feels like to be a free agent for once in my life. I think I am going to play this one out. A lot can change in two years. My body [may not] be where I want it to be, I could retire, a lot of things could happen. I love the game. I made as much money as I possibly can. It’s about winning a championship and if I feel like it’s the right thing to do, maybe so [come back]. If I solidify my third year, maybe they opt out, so it’s about keeping your options open."

The Celtics have an option to cut him after the season and they would be off the hook for his salary. He says that he'd like to see what it would be like to be a free agent but if the Celtics cut him loose next offseason, it will either be because his play dropped off sharply or he got hurt.

Obviously the first choice for everyone is for Pierce to retire as a Celtic. He may be forced into retirement with injuries or he may get to play a 2, 3, or even more years before he gets there. Here's hoping for the latter.

I don't want to take too much from what he's saying really. He's just keeping his options open, which is only right. This is a guy that was contemplating retirement this offseason. So thinking two or 3 years down the line is a bit premature. One season at a time.