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Will The Wizards Really Be Losing Paul Pierce To Clippers?

By Josh Wilson

May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with injured Wizards guard John Wall (L) and Washington Wizards forward Martell Webster (M) after making the game-winning basket against the Atlanta Hawks as time expired in the fourth quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Paul Pierce (34) celebrates with injured Wizards guard John Wall (L) and Washington Wizards forward Martell Webster (M) after making the game-winning basket against the Atlanta Hawks as time expired in the fourth quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the biggest questions for the Washington Wizards this offseason is the speculation surrounding Paul Pierce. Pierce was a huge factor in the Wizards’ playoff success, and did a great job of stretching the defenses with 63 attempted three-pointers, nearly double his two point attempts.

Several of his three-pointers were game changing, including this one that kept the ball rolling for Washington as they went up 3-0 on the Toronto Raptors.

Pierce, following the Wizards’ departure from the playoffs this season, voiced his exhaustion and alluded to the idea of retirement.

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According to recent reports, however, Pierce will most definitely not be retiring, it is now just a matter of where he will be playing next season. The Washington Post first reported that Pierce was going to pass on his player option with the Wizards, making him a free agent for his 18th year in the league.

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So now, the question shifts. No longer are we asking, “Where will Pierce be playing next year,” it is now, “Who will Pierce be playing for?” It very well could be his last season in the NBA, as he is approaching 40 years old.

The rumors all point to two places. Either Pierce will return back to Washington to play for the Wizards, or he will head to L.A. to play for the Los Angeles Clippers.

There’s plenty about the Clippers that is enticing, especially in terms of Pierce. Pierce played for Clippers head coach Doc Rivers for several years during his time with the Boston Celtics.

In addition to that, Pierce is likely looking towards the idea of winning a championship, as his career doesn’t have many years left. That final thrill of winning a title is one that all veterans in the free agent market have on their mind.

In the eyes of many, the Clippers have a much better shot at winning a title next season over the Wizards, given their success this year. But the Western Conference is much more competitive than the East, and the Wizards could have an easier route to the playoffs, especially if they’re able to hit a groove.

The Clippers’ roster studded with superstars like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and now Lance Stephenson who they recently traded for is incredibly fun to watch. Even more important than “fun to watch,” is the quality that they play with. They were contenders deep in the competitive West this season, and devastatingly fell to the Houston Rockets in seven games this year.

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    • But don’t get too upset Wizards fans, and don’t get too excited Clippers fans. Would Pierce really want to have to familiarize himself with an all new team and an all new system in one of his final years? And would he even get much playing time?

    The Clippers have a lot of players looking for floor time, and it’s already somewhat tough for them to balance minutes, with even some of their good players.

    Glen Davis and Nate Robinson played less than 15 minutes per game for the Clippers last season, and it’s tough to picture where Pierce would fit in with all of this.

    Lastly is the financials of the situation. Pierce is foregoing a $5.5 million dollar option, and according to ESPN, the Clippers can only offer Pierce just more than $3 million next season. The same article pointed to how much the Wizards could offer Pierce, more than $6 million, giving Washington the obvious edge in this aspect.

    There are some attractive parts of the Clippers for Pierce, but I believe Washington is the place for him to be. He will certainly be weighing his options, but with the opportunity to make more money, and still have a shot in the playoffs, Washington is the better option. I don’t believe the Clippers are as much of a threat to Washington as they’ve been made out to be.

    Next: Bradley Beal Postseason Grade

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