Paul Pierce isn’t interested in being on team that is rebuilding

The Boston Celtics have won their last 5 games since Rondo went down with a torn ACL. The general consensus was that without Rondo and the advanced age of the Celtics, hopes of a title this season are effectively older. Celts head coach Doc Rivers said not to count the team out but at least one member of the franchise has acknowledged that he’s not willing to apart of a team that’s rebuilding.

Paul Pierce gave the following statements about his future with the Celtics beyond this season:

“I’m at the point in my career where I’ve got to evaluate it each and every year,” Pierce said. “It’s all based on the situation and based on what I want out of this game still. I mean, I’ve still got a lot of love for the game. I’m still very motivated. But there’s other factors.

“I mean, I really don’t want to be part of a rebuilding situation again. I just think at this point in time that’s something that would wear on me too much mentally that I don’t know what decision I may make if I have to. I may retire if I have to. You know, that’s something that’s a year-end process, especially given the situation that we have right now.”

With the trade deadline fast approaching, will the Celtics stand pat and play this season out or do they start the rebuilding plans now while Rondo is out. Pierce has one more season left on his contract for $15.8 million beyond this current season. The Celtics currently are sitting in the eight spot in the East.