Back in early July, a few days after free agency began, news was already popping up about the following year’s free agency, and in particular, regarding 5-time All-Star Kyrie Irving and his whereabouts next offseason. The rumor, first reported by ESPN.com’s Ian Begley, stated that “several executives expect Irving to give the Knicks consideration next summer if he tests free agency.” Irving himself has stated in the past that he is an avid fan of Kristaps Porzingis and “would love to play” alongside the Latvian legend at some point in his career. And in response, Porzingis praised Irving, so it seems that an alliance between these 2 could possibly be seen in the near future.
It would also make sense as Kyrie is originally from West Orange, New Jersey, which means he’ll be able to spend time during the season back in his hometown. On top of this, Jimmy Butler has said in the past that he wanted to play with Kyrie Irving at some point and was an avid fan of his game, so could we see a possible big 3 form in New York with Butler, Irving, and Porzingis? Both Irving and Butler will have the option to become free agents next offseason, so we’ll just have to wait and see what they choose to do.
However, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times, “there have been no firm indications from Irving or his camp that the All-Star guard is eyeing an exit from Boston next summer or that he’s angling to go to New York—as is often speculated” and that “Irving’s intentions are not at all clear at this point.”
On top of this, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reported that Kyrie “is quite pleased with his Celtic surroundings and has been talking about the future here beyond 2018-2019.”
Irving missed the entirety of the playoffs last year after having knee surgery to fix a lingering issue, so until he plays nearly a full season in green, he won’t know his decision. The Celtics have potential to win the East next year, especially with a healthy Irving and Gordon Hayward, and star sophomore Jayson Tatum was seen working out with Kobe Bryant earlier this offseason.
But for now, Kyrie seems to just be focusing on the present. He told New York Times’ Sopan Deb the following:
“Well, I mean I know that question is going to come up a lot over the next year, just based upon where my deal is. And, you know, that time will arise and when it does, I think I’ll have a better, clear, concise answer for a lot of people that are going to ask. Yeah, I just have to take it as being present with the Boston Celtics. You know, and just going into this year with the mindset of trying to win a championship.”
Irving averaged 24.4 PPG on a career-high 49.1% from the floor, along with 5.1 APG and a career-high 3.8 RPG. So give Kyrie the full 2018-2019 season to produce for Boston before we get a better idea of his intentions for the future and the next offseason.