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Report: Wizards “increasingly optimistic” they can retain Paul Pierce

Atlanta Hawks v Washington Wizards-Game Six

Atlanta Hawks v Washington Wizards-Game Six

Ned Dishman/NBAE/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Clippers want their shot and believe they have a chance. The Celtics and a handful of other teams would like the chance for a sit down.

But in the end, Paul Pierce may well remain a Washington Wizard.

Pierce has officially opted out and become a free agent, but the Wizards like their chances, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.

Pierce can still help a team, despite turning 38 next season. He has a crafty, veteran game that ages well — he averaged 11.9 points a game and shot 38.9 percent from three last season. He’s still relatively efficient on offense, but he’s more of a concern on the other end of the court.

The Wizards had success last season, particularly in the playoffs, with Pierce at the four. The Clippers have Blake Griffin at the four and would use Pierce more at the three, which has not been as kind to him in recent seasons. That and the fact he likes John Wall and Bradley Beal plays in the Wizards favor as well. As for the Clippers, that is a different team if DeAndre Jordan chooses to return home to Texas.

Pierce likely isn’t going to make a snap decision, which is fine as the Wizards may feel like time is on their side.