Former Celtics player Paul Pierce will retire after the 2016-2017 season, the player announced Monday. The 38-year-old forward made the announcement Monday with a simple tweet of "It's time," and a link to a heartfelt letter to his fans about his decision. "I'm at peace with retiring, but I've got one more ride left. One more season. One more opportunity," the 18-year veteran wrote. Pierce played in Boston from 1998 until 2013, and helped lead the Celtics to the championship in 2008 -- the team's first national title in 22 years. He was also elected to 10 All-Star games. "I'm going to enjoy every practice, every bus ride, every team dinner, every time running out through the tunnel. I'm going to do my part to give us a shot at the ultimate goal," he wrote. Pierce will play his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers in the "city where (he) grew up" under former Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Back in September, Rivers told The Boston Globe Pierce intended to retire as a Celtic by signing a one-day contract with the team once his playing days are over.

Former Celtics player Paul Pierce will retire after the 2016-2017 season, the player announced Monday.

The 38-year-old forward made the announcement Monday with a simple tweet of "It's time," and a link to a heartfelt letter to his fans about his decision.


"I'm at peace with retiring, but I've got one more ride left. One more season. One more opportunity," the 18-year veteran wrote.

Pierce played in Boston from 1998 until 2013, and helped lead the Celtics to the championship in 2008 -- the team's first national title in 22 years. He was also elected to 10 All-Star games.

"I'm going to enjoy every practice, every bus ride, every team dinner, every time running out through the tunnel. I'm going to do my part to give us a shot at the ultimate goal," he wrote.

Pierce will play his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers in the "city where (he) grew up" under former Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

Back in September, Rivers told The Boston Globe Pierce intended to retire as a Celtic by signing a one-day contract with the team once his playing days are over.