Kyrie Irving became a rumored target of the New York Knicks earlier this month, but his recent comments suggest no offseason movement in 2019.
A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports’ Bulls Talk podcast recently named Kyrie Irving as the New York Knicks’ top target in 2019 free agency. It’s just under nine months away, but hardly the first potential free agent’s status mentioned one season in advance.
The Knicks may not be the only team in on Irving, but would it surprise anyone if he returned to the Boston Celtics for another contract? Especially given his comments to ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, even if early, indicate the desire to stay.
Irving questioned his future mindset—if he decided to leave Boston in July—and said, “We’re pretty f-ing good here.”
You know all the talk about Kyrie Irving as one of the elite free agents available next summer? Not so fast. Here's what he told me: "Even if I ever try to think about that thought of going elsewhere, it would be like 'what are you thinking? We're pretty f-ing good here." pic.twitter.com/QEM4XMDvWM
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) September 26, 2018
Will NBA fans react to this well? Maybe not those with the Cleveland Cavaliers, at least, after the trade request in 2017 that led to Irving’s arrival in Boston for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a 2018 first-round pick that became Collin Sexton.
Irving’s free agency will not just go away, though, even if the Celtics sit atop the Eastern Conference and make the NBA Finals. That became the case with previous soon-to-be free agents, including LeBron James before the 2018 NBA Finals.
For the Knicks, they will have the cap space to sign Irving to a max contract. It’s a matter of whether the interest is mutual next summer, along with a willingness to leave the Celtics, that brings him to the Big Apple.
In 2018-19, New York has Trey Burke, Frank Ntilikina and Emmanuel Mudiay at point guard. One of them can emerge as the starter in the 82-game schedule and take focus off the position’s future, but how much of an impression will it take for the front office to stay in-house?
Burke showcased in 36 games in the 2017-18 season and will hit also see his contract expire next summer. If he continues to rise and grasp the starting job, there could be a big payday on the way. Not as much for Mudiay, who struggled to find his footing in three NBA seasons, and Ntilikina might not become a designated point guard, anyway.
It’s a long road to travel with the Irving saga, as well as the other big names set for free agency. Talk will remain persistent, and once July 1 arrives, the money floodgates will open for whichever team a max player chooses to join.