Paul Pierce Opts Out of Wizards Contract: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Paul Pierce elected to opt out of his contract with the Washington Wizards on Saturday, per the Players' Tribune. While it's clear the veteran is intent on playing at least one more season, the decision has thrown the location where he'll be playing into doubt. 

Despite opting out, there's still a chance The Truth decides to make a return trip to D.C., according to J. Michael of CSN Washington. Michael noted the Wizards are able to pay Pierce $1.1 million more than he received last season (he made $5.5 million in 2014-15), which is a significant amount more than other suitors would be able to offer the veteran swingman. 

The forward had also expressed optimism in the past about the Wizards' roster, according to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post:

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Pierce averaged a career-low 11.9 points per contest this last season, but he did average 14.6 during the playoffs on just 9.9 shot attempts. There are signs he can still play, and Pierce has always had a knack for performing in the clutch.

Even with a dynamic young backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal, it's possible Pierce feels he has a more realistic chance to win a championship elsewhere. Hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy for a second time is likely the main reason behind his decision.

InsideSoCal.com's Robert Morales cited a league source in reporting on June 1 that the Los Angeles Clippers are interested in bringing Pierce aboard, which would reunite him with former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers.

Wherever Pierce decides to finish his playing days, he's already accomplished a ton and doesn't have much else to prove. It will be fascinating to see where his next stop is now that he's on the open market, because it could be the last NBA jersey Pierce wears.