After all the speculation it has now been confirmed that Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers will return for a 10th season as head coach.
According to NESN, team president of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe of the news on Thursday.
"We've got a coach everybody would love to have," Ainge told the Globe.
Rivers, 51, has three years remaining on the five-year contract extension he signed in 2011. Now with him slated for a return, all that remains is the futures of veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
Ainge recently called rumors that the two will not return next season "silly," indicating Garnett will return next season, Rajon Rondo being back for training camp and Pierce's future being his first tough decision he has on his mind this summer.
On Pierce: "I think Paul has a lot of basketball left in him."
On Garnett: "I do anticipate KG will play."
Former Celtics great Cedric Maxwell added his insight about what he believes the future will hold.
Maxwell sat down with CSNNE's Mike Felger on Sports Sunday to discuss the future of the Celtics.
"My hope is that all three of these guys are coming back but my true belief and my knowledge I think that they won't be back," Maxwell said. "I think Doc will take a leave of absence, he will go on. I think Paul Pierce, the team has an option right now on his contract at $16 million they can pay him $5 [million]. I think the financial part is going to [come] in. And as Kevin Garnett said, if Paul doesn't come back, I think Kevin weighs his options and says he wants to go someplace else."
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