Globe: Pierce Deal Close, But Not Done

Posted by Brian Robb on Jul 2, 2010 903546 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2010%2F07%2F02%2Fglobe-pierce-deal-close-but-not-done%2FGlobe%3A+Pierce+Deal+Close%2C+But+Not+Done2010-07-02+15%3A19%3A30Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D9035

Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe has the latest twist in this saga, conflicting with earlier reports from Steve Bulpett and Jeff Goodman that this is a done deal between Paul Pierce and the C’s:

The Celtics could have Paul Pierce back for four more seasons, but a source close to the negotiations said that the deal is not done with the veteran forward.

The two sides have been talking for the past few days, since Pierce opted out of his contact on Tuesday night and they are close to the framework of a four-year contract, but the fourth year could be a sticking point. Pierce walked away from $21.5 million for next season for the purpose of signing an extension that would ensure he ends his career as a Celtic.

The fact the fourth year still is a sticking point is no surprise if this report holds true. To be blunt, both sides have a pretty strong case in this department. The Celtics don’t want to pay a 36 year old Pierce 15 million dollars a year in 2013, and likely limit their ability to reload under the salary cap with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett likely long gone at that point.

From Pierce’s perspective though, it’s hard to blame him for holding out for a fourth year given the dollar figures we’ve seen in the first day of free agency which undoubtedly strengthened his agent’s negotiating position with Danny Ainge. He’s giving the C’s a bit of a hometown discount already, but he needs to take the years while get can get them.

All things considered, this deal will still likely get done. I predicted before this process it would be a 4 year deal, with the final year being an option with a big buyout and it looks like we are headed for that direction. It just may take a little longer than we think. Heck, the fact that progress was made this quickly was impressive in itself.

We’ll keep you posted on any further updates. In the meantime though, what do you do if your Danny Ainge? Just give him the fourth year or hold your ground on it a team option?