Kyrie Irving definitely didn't request a trade and didn't even say anything to suggest the Boston Celtics aren't the frontrunner to sign him in free agency this summer. In the wake of Kristaps Porzingis' sudden departure from the New York Knicks and Anthony Davis' stated desire to continue his career with a team other than the New Orleans Pelicans, though, his wishy-washy comments on Friday sparked a maelstrom of worry among Celtics faithful – and apparently further emboldened Knicks fans, who are increasingly of the belief their team has a chance to steal him from Boston come July.
If so, the warm welcome Irving received at Madison Square Garden during pre-game introductions will have perhaps factored into his decision.
Some cheers for Kyrie Irving during his pregame introduction at Madison Square Garden tonight: pic.twitter.com/GjdIDeR9jv
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 2, 2019
Irving, who grew up in nearby West Orange, NJ, is one of the Knicks' prime targets in free agency, a reality that's taken on new significance after the team created two maximum-salary slots by shipping out Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Courtney Lee in the Porzingis trade. Could New York really sign both him and Kevin Durant this summer?
That's the dream, one that seemed unlikely to come true given Irving's preseason comments about his intention to re-sign with the Celtics. The six-time All-Star cast doubt on that plan Friday morning, though, saying “I don't owe anybody s***” and “I'm just going to do what's best for me” after being asked about free agency. Under-reported were his subsequent remarks, which included the nugget that he has “every intent” on staying in Boston for the long haul.
Regardless, New York fans should continue doing everything possible to woo Irving on the prospect of returning the Knicks to glory.
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