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Paul Pierce is "definitely" ‎playing next season and plans to pass on his player option with the Washington Wizards which is valued at $5.54 million, a source told ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

The question is which team Pierce will play for. According to a report in the Washington Post, Pierce will either return to the Wizards or join the Los Angeles Clippers to be reunited with his former head coach Doc Rivers.

The Clippers can acquire Pierce by offering him the taxpayer mid-level exception worth slightly less than $3.4 million. Washington will be able to offer Pierce a new deal starting in excess of $6 million once he opts out.

Marc Stein, ESPN

The Wizards have made it clear they want Pierce back and expressed how much better they have become because of him.

"He's a great leader, great mentor," point guard John Wall said following the team's series-ending Game 6 loss to the Hawks. "Just seeing his competitive drive and how hard he works, being the first and last guy here, never making excuses, that is something we can use."

"Just to see his footwork, his competitive drive, how he talked junk, how he wanted to make the big shots, how he had so much confidence, he has built that in us."

"Paul Pierce is a Hall-of-Fame player, and he brought so much to the Wizards this year -- on the court as well as off," Wizards owner Ted Leonsis wrote on his personal blog in June. "When people struggle to describe the 'It Factor,' all they need to do is look at Paul."

Pierce averaged career lows in points (11.2) and minutes (26.2) and was a defensive liability at times in a diminished role last season, but provided the leadership the Wizards sought and became a fan favorite in the District with a memorable postseason performance.
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“I’m just thankful I was able to have an influence on this group, give something to them hopefully,” Pierce said after the Wizards’ season-ending Game 6 loss to the Hawks last month. “Whether I’m here next year or I’m not, I’ve left something here with these young guys that they can carry on the rest of their career – understanding what it’s like to be a pro, understanding what it’s going to take to take your game and your career to the next level. Hopefully that’s something I’ve given them, and they understand it and move forward with it.”

...Pierce, who turns 38 in October, could sign a one-year deal for more than $5.5 million to stick around, which would also help the Wizards keep the flexibility they desire for the much anticipated summer of 2016.

The Clippers will likely only be able to offer Pierce the mini-midlevel exception of $3.37 million, but they are arguably closer to hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy than the Wizards — even in the tough Western Conference — and provide Pierce two amenities the Wizards cannot: A return home and a reunion with Doc Rivers. Pierce grew up in Los Angeles and Rivers, now the Clippers’ maestro as the organization’s coach and general manager, coached him for nine seasons with the Boston Celtics. They won the title together there in 2008.
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If Pierce decides to continue his career elsewhere, the Wizards will have $64.7 million committed to 10 players next season. The salary cap is projected at $67.1 million and the luxury tax line at $81.6 million. Washington will also have the bi-annual and midlevel exceptions available when free agency begins on July 1.

The Wizards, on paper, would have some wiggle room to commit to a free agent long term this summer, but doing so would hurt their chances to land a superstar in the future and we hear a certain D.C. native is slated to hit the market next year. Pierce’s addition – beyond providing moxie, leadership and another shot-maker – was made with payroll flexibility in mind.

FAH1223 wrote:Wiz fan here, the speculation is that he's going to end up with you guys.

Wall came back from that broken hand to play because he wanted to advance further because of Paul's diminishing window to win another title. Sucks he's going back home but he's earned that right.

He should help you guys close games out in the playoffs but Doc shouldn't be playing him more than 25 minutes per night. Randy Wittless actually did a good job keeping him fresh in the playoffs.

His defense has declined but he still has good footwork and fundamentals. He will have trouble guarding those quick PFs and SFs but he can still get his own shot vs. anyone.