Will Kyrie Irving stay with the Boston Celtics next season? If Celtics legend Paul Pierce was asked, he does not think so.

Irving has an option to become a free agent next year and one of the leading candidates in signing him is the New York Knicks. In an article by Dakota Randall for New England Sports Network, Pierce explains his stance on the matter:

“Who would have expected Kevin Durant to go to the Warriors? (DeMarcus) Cousins to the Warriors? LeBron (James) to Miami a few years ago? Players are just showing that they have the control and the power to do what they want.

There is no loyalty to a franchise anymore. You are not going to see a player stay with one franchise for 10-15 years. That’s the generation we live in. You have to brace for it. Guys want to play with certain teams, they want to play with certain guys they know, their friends. They’re showing they have the power.”

Irving leaving the team so soon is a bit of a stretch. Boston now has a higher chance of becoming the new kings of the East after LeBron James left for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is finally healthy this year with Gordon Hayward back in the lineup. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are also poised to have a breakout season.

If, however, Irving decides to leave, the Knicks might be a good destination. With Kristaps Porzingis in the fold along with promising rookie Kevin Knox, the team is likely one or two superstars away from being playoff contenders.

On the other hand, things will definitely change should the Celtics win it all this year. Irving would most likely opt in to get a crack at winning back-to-back titles with Boston.