Report: Celtics forward Pierce to opt out of contract and become unrestricted free agent

Report: Pierce to opt out, become free agent

ESPN.com is reporting Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has notified the team he will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

Pierce’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, told ESPN.com in a text message Tuesday night the All-Star forward will forfeit next season’s $21.5 million salary for a chance to sign a new four-year deal worth more than $90 million.

Schwartz did not immediately respond to a voicemail left by the AP.

Pierce would become an unrestricted free agent and join a loaded group of NBA stars, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who could be on the move starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m. (EDT).

E-mail from the AP to Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca were not immediately returned.