Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are at the center of a debate that will determine the future of the Celtics. If one leaves Boston, the other is expected to follow, and Pierce believes that will happen sooner than later.

Of course, the Celtics’ “Big Three” that won a title in 2008 and reached the finals in 2010 was officially broken up when Ray Allen went to the Miami Heat this offseason. Pierce, who has a $5 million buyout of his contract, could be next. If he were to stay on with the Celtics, Pierce is slotted to make $15.3 million for 2013-14. And, with Pierce is the fold, Garnett is likely to hold on to his no-trade clause and play out another season in Boston.