Paul Pierce has retired the only way that seemed fitting.
The longtime small forward, who was a 10-time All-Star during his 15-year run in Boston, signed a one-day contract with the C's Monday in order to retire as a Celtic. The team announced the move on Twitter.
"It's an honor to have this opportunity to once again call myself a Boston Celtic," Pierce said in a statement. "The organization and city took me in and made me one of their own, and I couldn’t imagine ending my career any other way. I’m a Celtic for life.”
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The C's drafted Pierce 10th overall in 1998, eventually seeing him lead them to an NBA title in 2008 with teammates Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. He was traded to the Nets in the infamous 2013 deal that landed the Celtics top-three picks in each of the last two drafts, among other assets. Pierce spent just one season in Brooklyn before playing one season with the Wizards and finishing his playing days with two seasons as a Clipper.
Boston Celtics
“We’re honored that Paul has chosen to retire as a Celtic. He is among the very best Celtics – a champion on and off the court,” C's governor and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck said in the statement. “We congratulate Paul on a Hall of Fame career, and look forward to seeing his number raised to the rafters of TD Garden.”
Pierce's next move is not yet known, though he has been praised throughout the league as being capable of excelling in a front office job.