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Paul Pierce: Washington Wizards’ Options If The Truth Leaves

By Ben Mehic

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Paul Pierce might not return to the nation’s capital next season.

The Truth is reportedly going to play at least one more season, but hasn’t made a decision between the Washington Wizards or Los Angeles Clippers yet.

Pierce, 37, has a player option for next season with Washington that’s worth just over $5.5 million. The Clippers, on the other hand, traded Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets for Lance Stephenson, which essentially opened the starting small forward spot for Pierce.

Although the Clippers won’t be able to offer $5+ million, they do have the mini mid-level exception available as Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post noted. At this point in his career, though, Pierce probably isn’t too worried about the amount of money he’ll make in what could be his last season playing professional basketball.

Instead, Pierce will weigh the options between staying in D.C. and hoping to make one last run at the championship while playing in a weak Eastern Conference and finishing his career playing for his hometown and former coach Doc Rivers.

Right now, if I had to guess, I think Pierce will ultimately decide to finish his career in Los Angeles.

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While Pierce openly talked about the fun he had while playing for the Wizards, the Clippers arguably have a better shot at winning the championship.

Let’s face it, even though they’ve improved, the Wizards are still a star away from truly becoming a contender.

The Clippers already have a core in place, and if things go according to plan, they’ll have a terrific chance at making a real run at the championship next season.

With Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan (assuming he re-signs) and Stephenson, the Clippers have a very intriguing group of players that’s certainly enticing enough to take a chance and leave Washington.

Even more importantly, Pierce’s connection with Rivers and Sam Cassell — who originally lured Pierce to Washington — will probably sway his decision to finish his career in L.A.

So, what if Paul Pierce decides to leave Washington? Where does Ernie Grunfeld go from there?

While Pierce was fantastic on the court, especially during the NBA Playoffs, his days of being a go-to player are over. He did a great job of filling in as a power forward for the Wizards during the playoffs, but his impact was greater off the court.

Pierce instilled confidence in John Wall, Bradley Beal and to an even greater extent, Otto Porter. All three started to play with swagger that wasn’t there prior to Pierce’s arrival. Thankfully, that new-found confidence should still be there long after Pierce retires.

It would certainly be nice to have Paul Pierce back and I’m sure the Wizards would welcome him back with open arms, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he decides to finish his career in L.A.

Washington is going to have a number of ways to replace Pierce this summer if he decides to leave.

First off, the NBA Draft is very deep with wing players that would fit in well along side their star studded back court. Even though Randy Wittman is reluctant to play rookies, this year’s draft class has a couple of players that would be capable of contributing in their first seasons.

Virginia’s Justin Anderson and Arizona’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, both of whom worked out for the Wizards recently, should be available when it’s Grunfeld’s turn to pick a prospect with the 19th overall selection. Anderson has all the tools to become a 3-and-D player at the next level while Hollis-Jefferson is an elite defender.

Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker has been high in mock drafts, but he could slip on draft night. He’s capable of playing both forward spots and could benefit from playing in Washington’s system.

Free agency is also going to be an option for Washington. This summer the Wizards are going to have the full mid-level exception and bi-annual exception to work with.

Here’s a list of free agents that could be available for Washington:

None of the players listed have the experience that Paul Pierce has, but all have skill-sets that Washington could benefit from.

Pierce, while productive, wasn’t a great fit at small forward last year. If he does return to D.C., his minutes will likely get staggered so he shares the court with the bench at times. Otto Porter would still get a large chunk of minutes with the starters and Wittman would be able to close out games playing small, just like he did during the NBA Playoffs.

Many of the players listed would be able to play both forward spots and they’d excel next to Wall and Beal. Gerald Green, for instance, would be terrific in transition and he’d take some of the scoring load off the guards. He’s capable of creating his own shot and he’d be a good catch-and-shoot option.

If Paul Pierce decides to leave Washington, it wouldn’t be cataclysmic. It would certainly be nice to have him back for at least one more season, but Washington is going to have other options.

Next: Wizards Interested In Memphis' Green

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