Earlier in the off-season, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said if Paul Pierce is to retire, he must do it with the Boston Celtics. And now, that is viewed as a possibility, with a trade deal likely to make it happen. 

Currently, Pierce is with the Clippers and he recently announced that the upcoming season would be his final year in the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Before suiting up for the Clippers, or the Brooklyn Nets and the Washington Wizards, Pierce was a Celtic. 

The Celtics selected Pierce 10th overall in the 1998 draft, and in 15 seasons, he was the face of the franchise. He carried them to numerous playoff battles, and in the 2007-08 season, he got the help needed to catapult them back to a championship. 

If this is indeed the swan song for Pierce, Rivers might make a way for the former to end his career donning the green and white of Boston. 

The Celtics could accomplish almost any deal because of the assets they have, although it is unknown if they desire a reunion with Pierce. 

Last season, Pierce struggled mightily and ended up tallying career-lows. But prior to his run with the Clippers, he was still considered a main guy for the Nets and Wizards. If he can return to that form, Boston may be willing to have him back on its roster. 

If the Celtics go with this, the younger players in the team are likely the ones to be sacrificed. The names of RJ Hunter, Terry Rozier and James Young are expected to be in the discussion. 

The Celtics are not giving up players like Marcus Smart or Avery Bradley because they are key pieces or they might be utilized in the future for a blockbuster deal that lands them a much younger player or a star.