Opting out of Boston?

Celtics captain Paul Pierce opted out of the last year of his contract that would have guaranteed him $21.5 million in 2010-11, but that doesn't mean he's leaving town

There was some breaking news during Wednesday's show, as reports had Doc Rivers returning to the Celtics for the final year of his contract.

My real-time reaction was that he would only return if Paul Pierce would be back, or if the Celtics had a back-up plan that wouldn't result in a setback to the organization.

Basically, Rivers isn't returning unless the C's can win next season. So common sense would tell you that, in fact, Pierce's opting out is nothing more than a way for him to sign a new deal with the Celtics now, rather than risk a worse contract next offseason.

But then you wonder if the Celtics would be better off letting Pierce walk, and taking a shot at one of the big-name free agents available beginning on July 1.

The Boston Herald's Dan Duggan explained on Wednesday's show that the Celtics would be wise to keep Pierce around. And the return of Rivers makes it seem like that will most likely be the case.

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