The Boston Celtics are getting some recruiting help from an old friend.
Former Celtic forward Paul Pierce appeared on ESPN’s The Jump recently to make a case for Cleveland Cavalier center and rumored buyout candidate Tristan Thompson to join Boston.
There have been conflicting reports as to the direction Klutch Sports client Thompson will take with the rest of his season, with The Athletic’s David Aldridge reporting the Texas product will not seek a buyout while ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believing it likely.
Pierce made an argument to the Canadian big man to consider giving back some of his current deal, which is in the final season of a five-year, $82 million contract.
That contract will pay him $18.5 million this season, and it would likely require both giving at least part of that sum back to the Cavs as well as some finesse with his representation in order to get himself to Boston, as no Klutch client has yet to take a buyout.
Rich Paul has told ESPN that @RealTristan13 isn't interested in taking a buyout from the Cavaliers; @PaulPierce34 pitches him otherwise on behalf of Celtics nation. pic.twitter.com/HltDKK6mMc
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 7, 2020
Said The Truth:
“Tristan, you are the one player who can put the Boston Celtics over the top … Taking a couple extra less millions is worth it. I’m telling you, it’s worth it … that’s just what they need, a physical presence, a veteran leader, a champion.”
Celtics fans shouldn’t get their hopes up here, as the odds of Thompson both getting a buyout and choosing Boston are very small.
Even Kemba Walker being a former teammate of the Charlotte Hornets Marvin Williams wasn’t enough to accomplish one of the two, but it’s nice to know the team has well-placed advocates continuing to work for the Celtics’ interests even after retiring.
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