The Boston Celtics are in limbo until they receive decisions on the futures of two of the team's biggest stars. Head coach Doc Rivers and veteran Kevin Garnett are still mum on what exactly they plan on doing in 2013, forcing Danny Ainge to hold off on any offseason moves.
The Celtics are in an unexpected transition phase as a lot of uncertainty remains around the core players. Paul Pierce is owed almost $16 million next season, something the Celtics appear to be reluctant to pay. Rajon Rondo is still recovering from an ACL tear that ended his season early. Garnett is considering retirement and Rivers is considering other options. The team could be rebuilding instead of just retooling a few players.
Ainge has stated his intention of retaining both Garnett and Rivers for 2013. The head coach is in the third year of a five-year deal and Ainge would prefer to see the coach fulfill that contract. However, after the Celtics playoff run came to an end, Rivers was uncertain what his future still holds in Boston and according to team sources, he is still mulling over multiple options.
ESPN reports that Garnett is considering returning for another season, but a lot will have to do with what happens with Paul Pierce. Garnett's future is completely up to him. He has a no-trade clause in his contract so if he intends on stay then Boston must honor that. Pierce does not have that same luxury. The Celtics have considered buying out the final year of his contract, saving the team about $10 million.
If Pierce leaves, are Rivers and Garnett gone too? Ainge has to weigh what the risk is worth. Getting rid of Pierce could lead to the departure of the other two key pieces. Keeping Pierce will cost money and keep the roster almost completely the same for 2013 and possibly beyond. He would once again be putting his faith in an aging core group of players.
Boston sources believe there is a real standoff between the veterans and Ainge. Both sides are waiting for the other to make a move. Boston is not going to get anywhere if decisions do not start to be made.
