Paul Pierce rumoured to be on his way out in Boston

Boston Celtics rumors 2013: 'I don't think Paul Pierce believes' he'll return, says Greg Dickerson, who also speculates about Kevin Garnett

Those close to Paul Pierce believe he will not return to the Boston Celtics next season, according to CSNNE sideline reporter Greg Dickerson – and Pierce might think his days in green are done, as well.

"I don't think they will (bring Pierce back)," Dickerson said Sunday on CSNNE. "And I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don't think Paul Pierce believes – that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million. I know for a fact that people around Paul Pierce have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he's played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform. Again, Paul wants to stay – obviously for $15 million, but he wants to finish his career in a Celtics uniform."

If Pierce does not return, Kevin Garnett has indicated he won't want to either.

"If Paul's gone, I think without a doubt Kevin Garnett is gone – either by retirement or he finally decides to waive his no-trade clause, and the Celtics maybe work something out with a (Los Angeles Clippers) team," said Dickerson. "But the list is real short; the teams that Kevin Garnett would go to, there might be two of them on it, and they both might be the Clippers and (Los Angeles) Lakers."

Just rumours and speculation for the moment but given the circumstances, there's probably something to them. It's understandable that the Celtics would look to move on while they can make a couple of trades that would bring in some worthwhile assets, but it'd be a shame to see Pierce and Garnett leave Boston like that; especially Pierce. It's admittedly sentimentality when there are obviously matters of finance and future plans to consider, but he's earned the right to retire a Celtic and it would be nice to see that happen.

So this is how the green go now with their loyal player.

Buy out or trade Pierce, Doc may not return, Garnett may go too. Terrible. Just terrible.

Ainge is handling this badly.

Rondo should ignore Pierce and Garnett like KG did to Ray Allen. And say 'I got no hard feelings' in the interview.

The argument that front offices often make is that they want to avoid that big drop off and painful rebuilding era. Apart from the Lakers though, every team in that position ends up entering that painful rebuilding era anyway, so you might as well handle it with dignity, in a way that demonstrates respect and appreciation for the players who are nearing the end of their careers and given their all to the team. I have to imagine that looks a lot better when recruiting free agents in the years to come as opposed to a "glue factory" mentality.