Well, who saw this coming?

After losing Trevor Ariza to the Houston Rockets via free agency, the Washington Wizards didn’t waste any time. Otto Porter is coming off a 25-point performance in the summer league, and even though he’s the team’s future small forward, Washington needed to add a veteran.

Who did they add? Paul Pierce.

Paul Pierce is on the verge of joining the Washington Wizards in a free-agent deal, ESPN has learned — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 13, 2014

Marc Stein of ESPN also added that the deal is only for 2-years/$11 million, which would give the Wizards a chance to go after Kevin Durant. Yes, you read that correctly. The Wizards will position themselves for Kevin Durant in 2016, but that’s an entirely different discussion.

So, back to Paul Pierce.

If you were to tell me that Paul Pierce would actually want to play for the Washington Wizards four years ago, I would’ve called you crazy. After making the semi-finals in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the Washington Wizards have drawn attention to NBA veterans such as Paul Pierce.

Even though Paul Pierce isn’t the same player he as three or four years ago, he’s still capable of playing at a pretty high level. Paul Pierce averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game on 45% shooting with the Brooklyn Nets last season. He won’t play as big of a role with the Wizards, but he’ll likely end up taking the starting small forward spot.

John Wall, Bradley Beal and most importantly, Otto Porter, will have a great chance to learn from one of the most experienced players in the league. In all honesty, I never thought Paul Pierce would put on a Washington Wizards uniform and now it’s happening.

Welcome to the Wizards, Paul Pierce.