ESPN.com is reporting Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce has notified the team he will opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent.

Pierce’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, told ESPN.com in a text message Tuesday night the All-Star forward will forfeit next season’s $21.5 million salary for a chance to sign a new four-year deal worth more than $90 million.

Schwartz did not immediately respond to a voicemail left by the AP.

Pierce would become an unrestricted free agent and join a loaded group of NBA stars, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who could be on the move starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m. (EDT).

E-mail from the AP to Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca were not immediately returned.


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