Paul Pierce told the Boston Globe he wants to "see what it feels like to be a free agent for once in my life."
He was drafted by the Boston Celtics and matured into a man in New England. But when his current contract expires, Paul Pierce could test free agency for the first time.
The 34-year old small forward recently told the Boston Globe that when his contract expires after either the upcoming season or the 2013-14 campaign (the Celtics have a team option for the latter season), he wants 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," he told the Globe's Gary Washburn. "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. It's not about the money at this point. 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) but I really don't know the specifics on the KG deal or Jason Terry's deal. If i solidify my third year, maybe they opt out, so it's about keeping your options open."
Some players might worry about having a team option, which leaves Pierce's status after the coming season uncertain. But not The Truth.
"Not at all," he said. "I mean if they don't want me back, I feel like I'm good enough and I'll be wanted by a lot of teams. I'm coming into this year and I just made another all-star team at 34. So I'm still feel like I'm playing at a great level."
Pierce has played all 14 of his NBA seasons in Boston, racking up 10 All-Star appearances, making four All-NBA teams and winning one NBA championship. After all that, he'd look odd in any color but green.