Paul Pierce was devastated after his last-second buzzer beater against the Atlanta Hawks was less than a second too late of extending the Washington Wizards‘ season. Following the game, Pierce questioned whether he wanted to play next season. However, it looks like the future Hall-of-Famer will lace up his sneakers for at least one more year, according to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post:

He indicated retiring was a possibility, but a month later Pierce is set on playing next season, according to a person with knowledge of the situation

As Castillo noted, Pierce has until the end of this month to either exercise or decline his player option with Washington.

Pierce’s time in D.C. seemed to be a lot more pleasant than his short stint with the Brooklyn Nets.

The 37-year-old embraced his role as the team’s veteran and immediately became a key player both on and off the floor. Pierce appreciated playing along side John Wall and Bradley Beal, and he openly talked about the fun he had in the nation’s capital.

While Pierce should and probably will think about exercising his player option with the Wizards, he’s also going to have plenty of other options.

Finishing his career playing for his hometown Los Angeles Clippers under his former coach Doc Rivers is something he’ll also undoubtedly consider.

After trading Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets for Lance Stephenson, the Clippers have a hole left at the small forward spot.

At this point in his career, Pierce is better suited to play the four than the three, but he’s still capable of starting at small forward.

Given their need for another veteran, scorer and obviously another small forward, it’s not surprising that Rivers will express interest in signing his former Finals MVP.

The emotions felt this past season might not even play a factor in Paul Pierce’s imminent decision. Playing for the Clippers — a hometown team — along side Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan (who’s going to be a free agent) and Doc Rivers is enticing.

With all that said, I’d be shocked if Pierce exercises his player option, which ultimately revokes his freedom to choose a team he’d like to finish his career with.

I don’t think that Pierce will receive $5+ million from a team if he opts out, but he will gain the freedom to pick what team he plays for and the length of the deal — whether it’s the Clippers, Wizards or even the Boston Celtics.

Paul Pierce has plenty of options, but it looks like we’ll see him on the NBA court for at least one more season. We don’t know if it’ll be in D.C., but we should find out pretty soon.