NBA Rumors: Paul Pierce to Return for 2016-2017 Season?

Jul 13, 2016 09:26 AM EDT

New reports suggest that Paul Pierce of the Los Angeles Clippers could be eyeing a possible NBA comeback this season. However, if this happens, he might be able to stay for only one year.

Pierce was with the Clippers last season and is still signed with the team for two more years. However, since the offseason, it seems the small forward has been mulling about his possible retirement. Last month, during the 2016 NBA Finals, Pierce talk about what's in store for him in the future.

According to the athlete, he has been talking with his family about his career and whether or not he will retire.

"Well, we always say it's 51-49," he said according to NESN. "I get 51 percent of the vote and the rest of [the family] gets 49." [My Wife's] input carried a lot of weight. We'll figure out some things. I know I don't want to be sitting at home, whatever I do, regardless."

"If I comeback, it will be one more [season] and that will be it," he added. "No doubt."

Since he is still unsure what he will do next season, there have been a lot of rumors suggesting that he might retire. However, according to journalist Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times, insiders claimed that Pierce might return to the Clippers as an active player next season.

"Nothing official, but person close to Paul Pierce says he intends to play next season," he tweeted.

Of course, rumors such as this are hard to confirm especially if the "source" is unknown. Still, there's a big chance that Pierce might return for the 2016-2017 season since he is still under contract with LA. And, as part of the deal, he is expected to get around $3.5 million for two more seasons.

But then again, Pierce had previously noted that his decision to return will largely depend on his motivation to continue playing. Since he didn't appreciate the team's decision to reduce his role last season, he might actually go into retirement if this will happen again in the upcoming season.