BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed team captain and forward Paul Pierce. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Paul has been a cornerstone of our franchise for the last decade and we could not be more pleased that he is returning to the team," said Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge.
Pierce, a 6-foot-7 forward, is the Celtics third leading scorer in franchise history with 19,899 points trailing only Larry Bird and John Havlicek. The 2008 NBA Finals MVP averaged 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in making his eighth All-Star team. The four-time All-NBA selection is the team's all-time leader in free throws attempted and made; three-pointers attempted and made steals and is second all-time in points per game (22.5 ppg).
"I am very excited to be back in Boston," said Pierce. "I have always said that I would love to retire as a Celtic and re-signing here will allow me to do that. I would like to thank Danny, Doc, the ownership group and the rest of the organization. I'm thrilled that they kept the core intact and look forward to getting back on the parquet with my teammates so we can bring Banner 18 home to Boston."
The former Kansas Jayhawk was originally drafted by the Celtics with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 Draft shot a career-high 41.4% from beyond the arc this season. Pierce has posted career averages of 22.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.
"Since day one I have seen Paul as a lifetime Celtic and this deal is another big step towards that goal. He's a champion and a Finals MVP but also a true champion in the community," said Celtics Co-Owner and CEO, Wyc Grousbeck.