By Justin Worsley
Paul Pierce has told the Boston Celtics that he has decided to opt-out of the final year of his contract, making the small forward an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
Pierce, 32, will be another star in the upcoming free agent market that features LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, Chris Bosch and Amar'e Stoudamire.
Opting out of the contract means that Pierce will forfeit his $21.5 million salary next season, however, he can sign a max-contract of four-years and $96 million to stay in Boston or $93 million elsewhere.
Pierce has helped Boston go to two NBA titles in three years, being their go-to scorer. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2008 when Boston defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
An eight-time All-Star, Pierce has spent his entire career in Boston, where he averaged 22.5 points per game. Last season, however, the 6'7" 235-pound Pierce averaged only 18.3 points per game, his lowest total since his rookie season.
Free agency begins in the NBA on Thursday, however, no team can sign a player until July 8.
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