WALTHAM, Mass. -- Clippers swingman Paul Pierce confirmed Wednesday that he plans to sign a one-day deal with the Celtics before retiring after the 2016-17 season.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said last month during a visit to Boston that he had talked with Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and assistant general manager Mike Zarren about having Pierce sign a one-day deal with Boston whenever the veteran elected to hang up his high-tops.
Pierce said he's on board with the plan.
"I would love to do that," Pierce told SiriusXM NBA Radio. "I think I'll always be remembered as a Celtic. I had all my glory days, all my prime was pretty much as a Boston Celtic. I think I owe the fans and I owe myself that much, just to be able to put that uniform on one more time and go out that way, say I retired a Boston Celtic."
Celtics coach Brad Stevens, apprised of Piece's comments before practice Wednesday, said he hadn't heard any formal plans on the Boston end, but noted, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. But he's a special Celtic whose number will be in the rafters."
Rivers said last month that a plan was in place for PIerce to retire a Celtic even before he decided to return for his 19th season. Rivers, who coached Pierce in Boston, said it was a no-brainer for all involved.
"I think it's important. I think we have to do that. And I think we will," Rivers said. "Danny and Mike, we've already talked. The day [Pierce] retires, he's going to retire a Celtic. He has to. Paul's a Celtic. So when he retires, he's got to retire as a Celtic. I don't think anyone disagrees with me."
