Paul Pierce earned more than $195 million during his NBA career, but the Celtics legend is now claiming he is struggling financially amid an ongoing legal battle with his former partner.The 49-year-old says he is tapped out after receiving his final paycheck from Fox Sports in August, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.Pierce previously earned an average of $119,000 per month working for FS1, but that income has since disappeared.His attorney claims the Hall of Famer is financially drowning as he continues his custody dispute with Princes Santiago, with whom he shares a son, King Rafael, born in February.Pierce currently pays approximately $28,000 in monthly child support and another $20,000 in spousal support, according to the documents.Those payments come on top of his reported $48,000 in monthly living expenses, which include $8,000 for childcare, $5,000 for groceries, $7,000 for dining out, $3,200 for utilities and $3,500 for entertainment.Despite his financial concerns, Pierce reportedly still has around $300,000 in cash and $3 million in property assets.His income has also dropped significantly since leaving FS1, with the former NBA champion reporting approximately $23,000 in earnings from business interests in September.Pierce is now asking the court to reject Santiagos request for an additional $40,000 in legal fees and $10,000 to cover a forensic accountant hired to examine his finances.His attorney argues that Pierce would have great difficulty covering those expenses without his previous television salary.The dispute follows months of legal proceedings, with Santiago previously seeking sole legal and physical custody of their son.Pierce had also opposed an earlier request for $30,000 in monthly child support and $100,000 in legal fees, according to TMZ.The former Celtics star spent 19 seasons in the NBA, winning a championship and Finals MVP with Boston in 2008.He continues to work in media, hosting the Ticket & The Truth podcast alongside former teammate Kevin Garnett and his own weekly show, The Truth After Dark.READ MORE: JJ Redick on Luka Doncic Entering Showman Mode
