The Boston Celtics have big plans for this summer. If all goes well, the team will be the frontrunner to acquire Anthony Davis via a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, hoping to pair the standout big man with Kyrie Irving. There’s just one problem: The promise that Irving made to stick around in Boston long-term suddenly is being called into question following a series of quotes from All-Star point guard.
Irving met with the media on Friday morning prior to the Celtics’ game against the new-look New York Knicks later in the day. The Knicks are fresh off of trading away Kristaps Porzingis, which led to speculation that one of their two max contract slots next summer could go to Irving, a native of New Jersey.
In speaking with the press, Irving made it clear that his plan in free agency is to do whatever is best for him moving forward.
Kyrie Irving has shifted from his commitment to re-signing with the Celtics: “I don’t owe anybody shit.”
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) February 1, 2019
Kyrie Irving said at the end of the day he’s going to do what’s best for his career. “Ask me July 1,” he said about whether his mindset has changed.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 1, 2019
This is certainly not what the Celtics want to hear, because as Marc Stein of the New York Times tweeted, there’s a belief around the league that the Porzingis trade positioned New York to push for both Irving and Kevin Durant this summer.
And now you know why no shortage of rival teams in this league believe that the Knicks didn't open two max slots yesterday on a whim. They are going for Durant and Kyrie
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 1, 2019
Irving, to his credit, did say that Boston is in pole position right now, although he is cognizant of the Knicks positioning themselves to be major players this summer.
Kyrie Irving said he still has confidence in the Celtics and what they promise for the future. “Obviously Boston’s still at the head of that race.”
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 1, 2019
Kyrie Irving acknowledged he sees the Knicks positioning themselves for this summer. Said he respects the organization.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) February 1, 2019
It’s a far cry from last October, when Irving told an assembled crowd of Celtics fans at TD Garden that “if you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here.” The concept of the Knicks pushing for Irving isn’t a new one, even if there might be some renewed optimism in the aftermath of the Porzingis deal.
Still, Irving is a different dude, someone who is more annoyed by all the questions about his future than he is anything else. At the end of the day, he’s right, the best move is to do whatever is best for him, whether that involves staying in Boston or seeking greener pastures.
