Celtics rumored to trade Paul Pierce to Cavaliers

The Celtics are rumored to be looking to trade Paul Pierce or buy out the final season on his contract for next season.

Pierce did not perform well in his last game against the New York Knicks. With Doc Rivers almost assuredly going to the Los Angeles Clippers, Celtics president Danny Ainge is expected to trade away Pierce next.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly the first in line for the small forward, but the discussions are "very much in the preliminary stages." Pierce played well during the season, but his postseason performance was not memorable. His work as a forward is appealing to several teams that hope to make the playoffs next season.

This comes after the Celtics' failed deal involving Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers to the Clippers. The package deal did not fit NBA regulations that ban coaching trades, and NBA commissioner David Stern said he would reject any offer that hinted at a bundle.

The two teams reshaped the equation, and finished sending a first-round draft pick for Rivers' release from the team.

To trade Pierce, the Celtics have to buy him out for $5 million by June 30. Otherwise, the team will have to honor his $15.3 million contract.