This summer, the NBA may have some significant changes. The 2019 NBA Free Agency period features some of the best players of the league, with some of them will be unrestricted free agents, and others have player options. In other words, they can opt out of their current contracts and become free agents. LeBron James did this last year when he joined the Lakers.
This year, other stars can do the same. Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant can opt out of their contracts. They have been the subject of rumors in regard to their potential free agencies.
Now, another star player is the subject of rumors. They could potentially leave their current team and go elsewhere this summer. That player is Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving.
Irving could leave the Celtics if he opts out of his contract. Back in October, Irving told Celtics fans that he’ll re-sign.
“If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here.” Irving said.
However, his tone changed earlier this month. When asked about re-signing Irving had a short response.
“Ask me July 1,” Irving said.
Irving also said that he didn’t owe anyone anything and wants to make the best decision for him and his family.
Despite Irving’s change of heart, Celtics President of basketball operations Danny Ainge is confident Irving will remain with the Celtics. On Friday, Ainge was a guest on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich” show. He discussed Irving and his recent statements.
“I think it’s more like an engagement and we’re going to get married on July 1. And I think that engagement is still on as far as I know in my individual conversations with Kyrie; still engaged but we can’t make those vows, sign that contract until July 1,” Ainge said.
He also revealed that he and Irving have had conversations since then.
“I don’t really know all that was going on with him. But we’ve have had some good conversations,” Ainge said. “I think you’d have to ask Kyrie [about why he didn’t say he’d re-sign with Boston], but I think that he just doesn’t like his name in all these rumors and associated with all these other players.” Ainge said. He finished off by saying that he believes the Celtics remain the front-runners.
Danny Ainge brought in Kyrie Irving (via trade) and Gordon Hayward in the summer of 2017 (Image Courtesy of NBC Sports)
The Boston Celtics are one of the best teams of the Eastern Conference and are arguably the favorites to come out of the East in the playoffs. The Celtics are currently fourth in the East. Irving has a chance to win a championship with the Celtics. Or, he can go elsewhere and have a fresh start with another team. It all depends on what he does this summer.
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