Report: Wizards encouraged by post-midnight conversation with Paul Pierce
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The Truth didn't call "game" on his career in D.C. yet.
The Washington Wizards spoke with free agent Paul Pierce shortly after free agency began at midnight on July 1, and were reportedly encouraged by the conversation, according to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.
Pierce and his family are said to have "have grown fond of (D.C.) and Pierce's role with the team," according to Mannix, a role that's included serving as a mentor to several intriguing young players.
The 37-year-old opted out of the final year of his contract - worth $5.5 million - but isn't quite ready to hang up his sneakers. The Wizards have remained confident they can re-sign, but unexpected things - like Pierce signing with Washington in the first place - can happen on the open market.
In his 17th NBA season, Pierce averaged 11.9 points, two assists, and four rebounds in 73 games, and then elevated his game in the playoffs, as he normally does, torturing the Toronto Raptors as the Wizards advanced to the second round for the second-straight year.
With a reputation for being one of the best clutch shot-makers in basketball, and with championship pedigree on his resume, Pierce should have plenty of suitors if he hits the market in earnest.
The Wizards consider him their "top priority," tweeted Yahoo Sports' Marc Spears, while USA Today's Sam Amick added that the Los Angeles Clippers - linked with Pierce over the past few weeks - aren't optimistic he'd take less money to head to Hollywood.
All in all, it's looking like Pierce may continue to wear Washington red, white, and blue in 2015-16.