With Paul Pierce eligable to become an unrestricted free agent in 2007 if he exercises his player option, the Boston Celtics are planning on talking to Pierce this offseason about a contract extension, according to the Boston Herald.

And the good news for Celtics fans is, despite constant trade rumors surrounding him, Pierce plans to listen.

?Definitely, I want to talk about that,? he said. ?I know that?s a situation that?s coming up, but I probably won?t get much into that until the season?s over. It?s just good to know that a team wants you around for an extended period of time and wants to talk to me about it.?

?We?ve had our problems - things that are going to happen with a young team - but I definitely like where this team is headed,? he said. ?I like our young guys and I like the mix we have after the trade (with Minnesota).?

The Celtics are aware of how mixed up their mix would be if Pierce departs.

?It?s not just how great a player Paul is,? director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. ?You have to look and see how he?s developed as a leader and how the young guys look up to him and follow him.

?We just want Paul to stay around, and I?ll sit down with him and his agent this summer to talk about an extension.?