NBA rumors are swirling around that Paul Pierce is really yearning for a return to the Boston Celtics after he finishes playing for the Los Angeles Clippers this season, according to Hoops Rumors. Since the former Kansas Jayhawks star has strongly hinted that this would be his final season in the National Basketball Association, Pierce would more than likely be accepting an executive position as opposed to playing for the Celtics again.

For a while there, Paul Pierce wanted to remain with the Boston Celtics for his entire career. However, when the team stopped being a contender for the NBA Championship, he finally agreed to be traded, along with Kevin Garnett, to the New Jersey Nets so that the Celtics can start building towards the future. Pierce then changed gear and started chasing another title by signing with the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers.

Kevin Garnett

After his contract with the Washington Wizards expired, Paul Pierce had a strong desire to return to the Boston Celtics to finish off his career. Even though the team wasn’t ready to contend for an NBA Championship, he wanted to go back because he was so passionate about the organization. After all, they were the ones that drafted him in 1998 after nine other teams passed up on him, including the Milwaukee Bucks, who wanted former Michigan Wolverines star Robert “Tractor” Traylor.

The reunion had to wait, however, when Doc Rivers came calling with an offer to join the Los Angeles Clippers. Not only would Pierce be reunited with a coach that he is very loyal towards, the 6’7″, 230 pound veteran would also get a chance to compete for another NBA Championship. The roster was already stacked with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, a trio that ranks among the best in the National Basketball Association.

Doc Rivers

While Paul Pierce has suggested that this will be his final season in the NBA, he hasn’t actually ruled out playing an 18th season. Like a lot of older athletes, Pierce is going to wait until the end of the season to make his decision. He’s going to see how he feels after what should be another playoffs run. Then, he will sit down with his family to see what would be the best thing for everyone going forward.

Should Paul Pierce decide to play another season in the NBA, then he’s going to have a couple of options. The Los Angeles Clippers would love to keep him around because he provides veteran leadership. That eases the burden on Chris Paul quite a bit, and it enables him to focus more on being one of the best guards in the league. Pierce is also able to hit clutch shots, including game winners, so that’s another asset for the Clippers.

Chris Paul

The Boston Celtics might not mind giving Paul Pierce a spot on the roster. His veteran leadership would be greatly appreciated because the Celtics are a relatively young group of players. Celtics head coach Brad Stevens is still pretty new to the NBA, so he could lean on Pierce a bit because of everything that Paul has seen in his lengthy 17-year career. Pierce also provides the Celtics with a closer so that Isaiah Thomas doesn’t have to do it alone.

Another potential scenario would see Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett reuniting on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster. The two of them remain close friends. Garnett could use someone to help mentor Andrew Wiggins, while he teaches Karl Anthony Towns how to become an All Star in the NBA. Garnett is going to be a part of the Timberwolves organization long after he retires, so he should have enough stroke to get Pierce a contract.

[Featured Photo by Sean M Haffey/Getty Images]