Kyrie Irving might be getting second thoughts about re-signing with the Celtics.
Back in October, during a season-ticket holders event at TD Garden, the star Celtics point guard told the crowd he planned on re-signing with Boston.
“If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here.” – @KyrieIrving https://t.co/0wDLzuv5WL
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 4, 2018
“I’ve shared it with some of my teammates as well as the organization as well as everyone else in Boston. If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here next year.”
So, why is this relevant now? Well, Irving’s singing a different tune in 2019.
On Friday, Irving spoke to the media about his pending free agency and instead of offering reassurances that he’d re-sign with the Celtics, he said, “Ask me July 1.”
Kyrie Irving asked if his mindset has changed regarding re-signing with Boston: “Ask me July 1.” He says he’s going to do what’s best for his career.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 1, 2019
Also, major yikes.
Kyrie Irving has shifted from his commitment to re-signing with the Celtics: “I don’t owe anybody shit.”
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) February 1, 2019
Going from “I plan on re-signing” to “Ask me July 1” is a complete 180. The timing is interesting as well, as the New York Knicks, who desperately want to sign Irving in free agency, just cleared two max spots with yesterday’s Kristaps Porzingis deal.
Irving’s comments might mean little at the end of the day, as it’s still plausible he re-ups with Boston. However, considering the timing, I’d be incredibly nervous about Irving’s long-term future if I was a Celtics’ fan. Meanwhile, Knicks fans should, at the very least, be encouraged by the news.
