Quasi-rumor: "sources" say Celtics "likely" to buy out Paul Pierce

Passing this along at arms length. I suppose it is worth sharing, but I don't put a lot of stock into it. A Cavs reporter (or "insider" if you like) reports that Pierce will "likely" be bought out. But then again, you read that in the title. Well, here, read it again.

Bob Finnan's NBA notes: Noel, McLemore, Porter best options for Cavs at No. 1 - news-herald.com

Sources indicate Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge will likely buy out forward Paul Pierce's $15 million contract for next year ($5 million is guaranteed). If that happens, Grant should be first in line to try to acquire Pierce's services. However, before anyone gets too giddy, Pierce will likely want to go to a serious contender.

Hat tip to Jay King for seeing this.

My thoughts: Obviously Ainge is looking for trading partners first. If that doesn't work out, he has to decide between keeping Pierce and buying him out. Calling any of those options "likely" would seem to be a guess rather than a hard fact or even vague rumor. But I suppose you never know.