He’s Here! Paul Pierce, Clippers agree to 3-year deal

Because of Doc Rivers‘ off-season shenanigans last year, it took 365 more days than it should’ve but via Dan Woike of the Orange County Register, Paul Pierce has agreed on a deal to reunite with his former head coach on the Clippers.

Hours ago, it was reported the Washington Wizards were optimistic in their chances of re-signing Pierce, having offered the former NBA champion a two-year deal worth $6.6 million. As expected, the Clippers will use their taxpayers mid-level exception to sign Pierce. The surprise is the amount of years on the deal, three, as many believed the upcoming season would be Pierce’s last in the NBA.

A key member in the Washington Wizards’ trip to the Eastern Conference finals, last season Pierce averaged a career-low 11.9 points on 44-38-78 shooting splits, along with 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists. In the playoffs, spending majority minutes as a stretch-four, Pierce revved things up on the offensive end (which featured game-winning/tying jump shots against Toronto and Atlanta), averaging 14.6 points on insane shooting numbers (48 FG%, 52 3P%) and 4.2 rebounds.

Live Feed

Hardwood Houdini

In theory, Pierce gives the Clippers the wing addition they’ve desperately needed after falling short of their quest to win the Larry O’Brien trophy in back-to-back seasons under Doc Rivers. He can benefit from the playmaking of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and Lance Stephenson, but most importantly, he can create his own shot, something they’ve gone without as Jamal Crawford‘s shooting percentages in the playoffs have dipped massively.

But with the roster incomplete as of now, questions of Pierce’s immediate fit are in question. A career small forward, at this stage in Pierce’s career, he’s best of playing the small-ball power forward alongside a rim-protecting big (DeAndre Jordan anybody?) to hide his inability to defend today’s NBA wings. Because of the gaping hole at small forward — as of now, Jordan Hamilton is the lone small forward under contract — this could force Pierce to start alongside Chris Paul and company until a better replacement is found. If the Clippers can stumble upon a solid 3-and-D wing, we could see Pierce play the backup power forward role to preserve his body for bigger minutes in the playoffs.

All-in-all, the Pierce pickup is a good deal. Now we wait on DeAndre Jordan to make his decision.

More from Clipperholics

• Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
• 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
• Trading for this player covers the Clippers’ biggest weakness
• How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
• Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver