The Boston Celtics are one defeat away from being eliminated in the playoffs as they are down 3-1 against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The outcome of the series might impact Kyrie Irving's free agency decision this summer, and there is speculation about him not returning to Boston next year. However, according to Sports Illustrated‘s Chris Mannix, the Celtics are still going to offer the All-Star guard a five-year max extension.
With the Celtics on the brink of elimination, @SIChrisMannix discusses Kyrie's future in Boston pic.twitter.com/eOMdJpxyO4
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 8, 2019
Irving is undoubtedly the Celtics' best player, and losing him for nothing could derail the franchise's long-term plans. Even though he's struggling in the series against the Bucks, he is still one of the elite guards in the league, which is why the franchise is expected to go all out just to keep him.
But Mannix also said that the outcome of the playoffs is just one factor that could affect Irving's move this summer. The New York Knicks are in a position to sign two superstars to max deals and if they are able to bring in Golden State Warriors' Kevin Durant or trade for New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis, then Kyrie's move to the Big Apple might happen.
At the moment, the best option for Irving is to stay in Boston. He wanted to be the alpha of his own team, and that's what he is to the Celtics. Joining a superteam in New York won't make sense, considering that he demanded a trade away from a superteam back in 2016.
But first thing's first. The Celtics will need to win Game 5 tonight if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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