LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of Team Lebron warms up prior to the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)Back in October, Kyrie Irving made it clear that he plans on signing an extension with the Boston Celtics this coming summer. Friday, he walked that idea back.
Irving was asked if he’d changed his mind regarding his free agency. His response? “Ask me July 1.” Celtics fans, as you’d imagine, are quite upset.
Many are wondering if Boston GM Danny Ainge should pull the trigger now and trade Irving – so the team gets something for him if he doesn’t want to play there anymore.
Some have floated some kind of three-team trade that involves Anthony Davis going to the Celtics, with Irving winding up on the Knicks. Others have wondered if there could be other teams interested in Irving’s services too:
If you're the Boston Celtics, you have to seriously consider trading Kyrie Irving. A LOT has unfolded over the last few days and all signs point to the NBA's Feb. 7 trade deadline being VERY interesting. Keep checking @HoopsHype for the latest rumors/news. https://t.co/Ifpfsvu9Eh
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 1, 2019
Is there a Kyrie Irving trade that makes sense for Boston *right now*? Like, trade him to the Clippers or, I don't know, Denver? Some team that could convince itself that they could convince him to stay long term but where he can't team up with AD?
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) February 1, 2019
Kyrie Irving when asked what he thought of Porzingis trade: “I respect the Knicks organization. Obviously, they are making moves to position themselves for this upcoming summer. So I wish them the best." pic.twitter.com/045eb7MJMJ
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) February 1, 2019
If Irving were traded, it wouldn’t be the first time in his career. He forced himself out of Cleveland two years ago after getting tired of playing with LeBron James.
Irving will certainly have options this summer – and the Knicks are probably one of the front-runners to land his services. It might not make sense to trade for him if they believe they can get him via free agency anyway. But they’d have to be confident.
We’ll keep you updated on Irving’s situation.
