Paul Pierce To The Clippers Veteran Could Opt To Leave Wizards

NBA.com’s David Aldridge writes that there’s talk around the league that Pierce will opt out of his contract and go to his hometown Los Angeles for his 18th season:

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After the Wizards’ loss to the Hawks in the playoffs, Pierce’s mind was on retirement as he said, “I don’t even know if I’m going to play basketball anymore.”

Wizards coach Randy Wittman was asked about Pierce’s contract recently, and he thinks the veteran forward will return.

“I’d love him back. I think he wants to be back. I don’t know, I won’t put words in his mouth, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t,” he told The Washington Post.

If Pierce does leave, it would force Otto Porter into more playing time. The 21-year-old forward played increased minutes during the postseason and was a solid contributor, averaging 10 points and eight rebounds per game.