NBA Rumors: Paul Pierce to Test Free Agency in 2014?

Boston Celtics guard Paul Pierce has spent his entire career in Boston, even leading the Celtics to the world championship back in 2008. But with the recent departure of Ray Allen to the Miami Heat and Kevin Garnett being on the verge of retirement, could Pierce’s time in Boston be coming to an end?

Recently Pierce told the Boston Globe that he has always desired to test the free agent waters before his career is over, meaning he may do just that once his contract is up at the end of the 2013-14 season.

“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.”

Pierce, who was born in Oakland and attended Inglewood High School in California, has mentioned numerous times that he grew up a Laker fan. There were even some rumors that he could be traded to L.A. around the 2012 trade deadline. The rumors were met with mixed feelings from Laker fans, who still haven’t been able to forgive Pierce for defeating the Lakers in the 2008 NBA Finals.

By the time Pierce is able to test free agency he may be past his productive time in the NBA. Currently Pierce is 34 years-old, meaning he will be 37 when the season begins if his career does continue.

Would Los Angeles be interested an aging public enemy in 2014 as possible help off the bench? We shall see.