Add one more marquee name to the most anticipated free-agent class in NBA history: Paul Pierce.
Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Pierce has notified the Boston Celtics that he will opt out of the final year of his contract before Wednesday's deadline to do so, which will make Pierce an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
By opting out, Pierce will forfeit next season's $21.5 million salary but becomes eligible to sign a new four-year deal with the Celtics worth a maximum of $96 million and can receive four-year offers from other teams worth a maximum $93 million.
I know Pierce wants the max deal, but he's NOT a max player at this point in his career. He'll never get it, making me think he leaves when someone else (stupidly) offers max money.
But forfeiting $21.5M? Between Pierce and Allen becoming free agents, does this mean the CELTICS suddenly have cap room?
Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me.
Bill Simmons was commenting on his podcast that Pierce's thinking is that opting-out will get him a paycut for 2010, but will ultimately result in a better contract than it would be if he was a free agent in a labor-uncertain 2011.
It is the policy of the documentary crew to remain true observers and not interfere with its subjects. "Well. Shit." -hansen9j
He's probably got the advantage this year in so far as there are more teams with cap space than there are top free agents to fill roster spots.
Must be five teams that are going to be disappointed over not getting LeBron and Bosh, maybe Pierce will be the guy brought in to appease some disappointed fanbase.