The Boston Celtics are likely headed for an offseason filled with turmoil. As the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, changes are likely to come. Their roster is aging and a few of their marquee players are not too keen on sticking around with future looking so uncertain. As head coach Dov Rivers gets persuaded to take his talents to Brooklyn, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett might be the next to go. The question remains if they leave on their own power or get forced out for younger talent.
It was a long season for the Celtics after Rajon Rondo went down with an ACL tear. The offseason could be even longer. Sources close to the Celtics are saying Paul Pierce is not expected to return to the team next season. The veteran has certainly had a long run in Boston. The team will have until June 30 to decide his future. They could buy out his $15 million contract for $5 million or they could release him. Pierce has had a 14 year run in Boston and has remained loyal to the team. They could try and trade Pierce or he could simply retire.
If Pierce leaves Boston, so does Garnett. The veteran currently has two years and $23.5 million left on his current contract. The deal includes a no-trade clause. Rivers has said he is not sure Garnett is up for playing another year of basketball and Garnett himself has alluded to the fact that retirement might be the next step for him. Pierce's future will likely dictate Garnett's time in Boston.
While the future is certainly uncertain for the Celtic's two biggest stars, things remain hazy for Rivers as well. While Danny Ainge has said he expects to see Rivers back with the team again, the head coach has a few options lingering outside of Boston. Rivers is signed to a five-year, $35 million contract extension that was done back in 2010, but that has not stopped teams from pursuing him. Most recently, the Brooklyn Nets have admitted Rivers is the team's top option to replace PJ Carlesimo.
If the reports prove true, a Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks is a tough way to watch the team go. While Rondo is certain to be back at some point next season, the Boston Celtics of 2013 could look drastically different than the team has been around the last few season.
