The Washington Wizards have offered SF Paul Pierce a two-year deal worth $6.6 million. The deal also includes a team option for the second year. The reasoning behind the team option for the second season was for the Wizards pursuit in Kevin Durant once he becomes a free agent next summer.
There have been rumors for months now that the Wizards are a realistic landing spot for Durant once his contract is up. The idea of joining an Eastern Conference team on the brink of contention could persuade him to join, not to mention Durant is from the DMV area.
But as it goes for this season, the Wizards need Pierce for the upcoming season because of his leadership and ability to perform in the playoffs. Pierce was expected to sign with the Clippers and be reunited with head coach Doc Rivers, but talks have died down with DeAndre Jordan still deciding where he will play next season.
Pierce wants a for sure thing and the Wizards will provide that. If the Clippers lose Jordan, which looks more and more like they will especially with Tyson Chandler leaving for Phoenix, Pierce is almost guaranteed to choose the Wizards because they provide a better chance to contend in the East than the Clippers do in the West.
Most Wizards fans are looking forward to next off-season already in hopes to get Durant, but this year will be extremely important and they need Pierce to continue to be successful. With their young core of John Wall, Bradley Beal. and Marcin Gortat remaining in tact, Pierce is the glue guy that keeps them working efficiently, while also challenging them to play better. It's this simple, Pierce is the kind of guy all championship teams need to have, a guy with supreme confidence, ability to play at a high level during important games, and a great locker room guy.
If Pierce does accept the offer from the Wizards, it's a huge win for now and for the future.