Paul Pierce re-signs with Celtics ahead of retirement

Paul Pierce is set to retire after two decades in the NBA, but he had one stop left to make with the Boston Celtics before hanging it up.

The team announced Monday that it has re-signed Pierce to allow the Boston icon to retire as a member of the Celtics.

Pierce spent his first 15 seasons as a member of the Celtics. He made 10 All-Star appearances and led Boston to a championship in 2008, its only ring in three decades.

"We’re honored that Paul has chosen to retire as a Celtic. He is among the very best Celtics – a champion on and off the court," said Celtics governor and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck. "We congratulate Paul on a Hall of Fame career, and look forward to seeing his number raised to the rafters of TD Garden."

"It's an honor to have this opportunity to once again call myself a Boston Celtic," Pierce said. "The organization and city took me in and made me one of their own, and I couldn’t imagine ending my career any other way. I’m a Celtic for life."

Pierce owns the club record for 3-pointers, free throws, and steals, while ranking second in scoring. He averaged 21.8 points, six rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in Celtics green.