Paul Pierce explains why he signed with the Clippers

August 08, 2024

The Los Angeles Clippers held a press conference Tuesday to introduce — and re-introduce — the several players they signed — and re-signed — this summer. DeAndre Jordan, the 7-foot star of free agency’s most dramatic episode on July 8, was the center of attention as he fielded questions about his decision to stiff-arm the Dallas Mavericks after verbally agreeing to join them and return to Los Angeles.

But Paul Pierce was also on hand and the 17-year veteran explained why he decided to go home to (likely) finish his career with the Clippers over returning to the Washington Wizards for a second season.

“I’m at the point in my career where it’s winding down,” said Pierce, who will suit up for his third team in three years after 15 seasons with the Boston Celtics. “I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I wanted another opportunity to win a championship. I thought just being here would be a great fit. I’m a veteran. I could be another voice in the locker room and I can just pretty much fill any role that they need me to play.

“Whether it’s in the locker room, on the court. Whether it’s a three-man, four-man. A team leader, on or off the court, I feel like I can kind of just be that glue guy. And I’m here with the same in goal in mind that everybody else’s goal is, and that’s win a championship, truthfully. If I didn’t think the Clippers were close then, no matter home or not, I probably wouldn’t have made this decision.”

Pierce will reunite with Coach Doc Rivers, who coached him for nine seasons with the Celtics, and assistant coach Sam Cassell. Cassell, a close friend and teammate with the Celtics in 2008, was on the Wizards’ coaching staff last summer when he helped recruit Pierce to the District before leaving for Los Angeles.

“I played with Doc longer than any coach I ever played for in my career,” said Pierce, who won the 2008 championship with Rivers. “I’m definitely comfortable being around him, being with him. So that really helps out, especially going into a new situation, being around things you’re comfortable with. It’s great to be home. To have an opportunity to play in front of family and friends. To have an opportunity to win a championship. I guess my biggest concern is about the tickets.

“But this is a tremendous opportunity. It’s like a dream come true. Growing up right here, always wanting to play in my home town and have an opportunity to win a championship. So this is awesome. This is probably the last ride of my career. I think this is where I’m going to end it. I think I’m going to go all in and if we can win a championship for the Clippers, this would be everything for me.”

The marriage was a year in the making. Pierce nearly became a Clipper last summer after one forgettable campaign with the Brooklyn Nets but Los Angeles elected to give its entire midlevel exception to Spencer Hawes instead and Pierce signed a two-year contract worth nearly $11 million with the Wizards that included a player option for the second season. Pierce averaged career lows across the board in Washington, including in minutes and points, but he instantly became a locker room leader and supplied several big shots during a memorable playoff run.

But Pierce declined the $5.5 million player option at the end of June to become a free agent for the second straight summer. The Wizards then formally offered Pierce $6.6 million for next season on the first night of free agency — nearly double the $3.37 million Pierce will play for the next two years — but refused to give Pierce a guaranteed second season. Seeking maximum financial flexibility next summer, Washington only would give Pierce a team option for the second season. The Clippers were not as reluctant and the two sides reportedly agreed to a three-year, $10 million pact with a team option for the third season.

“Last year, I had an opportunity but sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to,” said Pierce, who told the Boston Globe he couldn’t join the Los Angeles Lakers, his favorite team growing up in Inglewood, because of his past with the rival Celtics. “Would’ve loved to have been here last year but I had a chance to go to Washington, that was a great experience for me and I think things happen for a reason. And I think this is the right timing, perfect opportunity here today and I’m glad to say I’m a Clipper today.”

Pierce, who turns 38 in October, also explained why he made the infamous choice to tweet a rocket clip art image instead of a rocket emoji when the Clippers and Mavericks were engaged in Twitter warfare on July 8 as Jordan hosted Clippers officials and players at his home until the moratorium was lifted 11:01 p.m. and he officially re-signed.

“I guess I’m old school,” Pierce said.

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