Staying Put: Pierce and C's agree to four year $61 mil. deal

(Boston, MA) -- With uncertainty regarding the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Paul Pierce opted out of his guaranteed $21 million deal. The risk paid off today as the 32-year-old forward signed a four-year, $61 million deal with the Celtics.

The deal has been confirmed by FoxSports.com and NBA.com but the deal can not be signed till after July 8.

The contract all but guarantees Pierce will retire as a Celtic and preform a rarity playing his entire career with the Celtics.

One source close to the deal described it as a "business decision," the business of rewarding the face of a franchise for over 12 years.

The move seemed certain once seventh year head coach Doc Rivers decided to return to the team he took to the NBA Finals in 2008 and 2010, winning it all in 2008.

Pierce averaged 18.3 ppg, 4.4 reb, and 3.1 assists.

The Celtics have seven more players available for free agency but most eyes in Beantown are watching the activity of guard Ray Allen.

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