Many have speculated that Larry Bird would retire following the 11-12 season, but the chances of that appear to be decreasing.

"Bird definitely sounds like a person who plans to return as long as he and owner Herb Simon remain on the same page," wrote Mike Wells on Twitter, who covers the Pacers for the Indy Star.

Money won't be a factor in Bird's decision, according to Wells. Bird took a paycut from $5 million annually to $1 million this season.

Bird was the recipient of the 2012 NBA Executive of the Year award.