Report: Cavaliers, Bucks Interested In Acquiring Paul Pierce
BOSTON (CBS) - Multiple teams are showing interest in Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, but chances of Pierce landing on those teams is reportedly slim.
According to ESPN, both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks have expressed interest in acquiring Pierce, but the Celtics are holding out hope of getting a first-round pick for their veteran captain, and would also like to send him to a contender -- if anywhere.
Reports surfaced earlier that the Cavaliers are willing to part with two second-round picks for the 35-year-old Pierce, but Boston is hoping to get a first-round selection.
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The Celtics have a June 30 deadline to pick up Pierce's $15.3 million option for next season or buy him out for $5 million.
ESPN's source said the Celtics could pick up Pierce's option in hopes of trading him further down the road, potentially at the 2014 trade deadline in February. Pierce's return may also keep Kevin Garnett on the roster, despite Doc Rivers departure for the Los Angeles Clippers (whenever that actually becomes official).
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Pierce has played all 15 of his NBA seasons with Boston after being selected 10th overall in the 1998 NBA Draft, averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over his career.
