BOSTON (NBA) - Team USA's Paul Pierce signed a three-year extension with Boston this week and was then hailed as one of the best to ever wear the Celtic green.

The 28-year-old, who is expected to have minor surgery on his left elbow in August and will not be able to play for Team USA in August's FIBA World Championship in Japan, averaged 26.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 79 games last season. The extension is thought to be worth nearly $60million.

"Paul is one of the greatest Celtics in the history of our franchise," said Boston executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge, who won NBA titles with Boston in 1984 and 1986 and appeared in six NBA Finals. "We are very happy to have him under contract for the next five years to lead us in the prime of his career."

The new deal means the 6ft 6in Pierce will be with the Celtics through the 2010-11 campaign. Pierce will make $15.1 million for the upcoming season and $16.3 million in 2007-08.

A first-round pick in 1998, Pierce has spent his entire eight-year career with the Celtics, averaging more than 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.

PA Sport