Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge still maintains the same priorities he had at the beginning of the season — to re-sign Kyrie Irving. Asked if he was looking to lock him up long-term, a simple “yes” did the trick.
The Celtics have been marred by a cluster of mishaps, poor fits and mood swings, turning what was expected to be a rousing season atop the East into a rollercoaster of emotions, starting with Irving himself.
Asked if there are worries when it comes to Irving's mood swings, Ainge didn't seem too worried.
“There’s moments where he’s happy and things are going well [and] there’s moments where he’s frustrated and wishes things were different and talks about how can we get better,” said Ainge, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “But one thing I like about Kyrie is he does want to get better himself. I mean he wants to take responsibility. He wants to carry a load and knows that he is capable, because of his experience and how a good player he is, that he’s capable of carrying a bigger load than a lot of guys on the team.”
Ainge ultimately pointed out that the team's losses have been the source of Irving's frustration, more than anything else.
“I don’t think free agency is wearing on him,” said Ainge. “I think that not being able to live up to expectations as a team is wearing on him more than that. But I feel like he’s in a good place. And ending the season and starting the playoffs I feel like his mind is in a fresher place than it was a few weeks ago, and I’m looking forward to great things with Kyrie.”
Irving has been linked to joining the New York Knicks over the summer, along with close friend Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors. Reports have described him as “unhappy” and “detached” at times throughout the season, but his decision to stay or leave could largely hinge on the Celtics' postseason success.
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