New York Knicks: Early connections exist with top 2019 free agents

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving, at one point, had the most steam of any impending free agent to sign with the New York Knicks, sans his New Jersey residence.

Speculation between the Duke product and the Knicks has grown since his Cleveland Cavalier days. Never anything official, but more “Will he?” or “Won’t he?” down the line. For two weeks, the latter seemed possible.

The Knicks already circled Irving as their top target in 2019 free agency in September, which sparked early intrigue for the July race. However, the one-time NBA champion shot that down twice, with two public allegiances to the Boston Celtics.

The first happened at TD Garden to the pleasure of the Celtics fans. It didn’t appear as much, until he told the media, he gave the Knicks consideration, but opted to remain in New England.

This seemingly locked Irving into Boston’s core for the next few years. While optimistic publicly, his contract has not changed, and he can still hit free agency next summer.

Maybe the stars will align for Irving and New York over the next eight months, but if his words are the only thing to base the situation on, it potentially crosses another superstar off the list.