Danny Ainge Thinks Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce Will Return

The Boston Celtics are facing an offseason of great uncertainty — there’s no telling what’s next for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and head coach Doc Rivers. According to GM Danny Ainge’s gut, all three will return to Beantown next season (though Pierce is a trade candidate.) Per WEEI and CSNNE: “Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge called the recent Stephen A. Smith rumors [of a feud between Ainge and Rivers] ‘silly,’ indicated Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett will return next season, Rajon Rondo should be back for training camp and Paul Pierce‘s future is the first tough decision he has to make his summer. On Pierce: ‘I think Paul has a lot of basketball left in him.’ On Doc: ‘I think Doc will be coaching the Boston Celtics’ next year. On Garnett: ‘I do anticipate KG will play.’ […] He was less positive, however, talking about Pierce. ‘Conversation with my coach, conversation with Paul and his representatives [will play into the decision to bring Pierce back],’ said Ainge. ‘Opportunities that may present themselves. There’s a lot that will go into it, but it hasn’t even started yet, we have until June 30 to make any decision. Listen, Paul’s been one of the greatest Celtics of all time and that will play part in it. We love what he’s done for us, but ultimately we have to do what we think is the best for us from this point forward. And I think that Paul still has a lot of basketball left in him.'”