Some NBA teams are reportedly concerned about luring Boston Celtics star Kyrie Irving after the team’s struggles on and off the court this season.
It wasn’t exactly the type of season that Celtics fans were expecting, as Irving and company could never find the consistency needed to be a true championship contender.
And with Irving headed for free agency, there are teams around the NBA that may be changing their view on him.
From Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald:
The most interesting bit of information from several sources that we’ve been able to consolidate and confirm is that some teams thought to have interest in Irving as a free agent are now a great deal more wary. Based on the way things played out with the Celtics this season and Irving’s role both off the court all year and on it in the playoff loss to Milwaukee, certain clubs are concerned about putting too many eggs in his basket right away.
Two teams for certain are telling people they will only go after him if they land another marquee free agent and that player says he wants Irving. In each of these cases, the initial target is different. (There was worry on one of those clubs that the basketball ops people might be overruled by ownership and told to make Irving a primary aim, but that organization is now on the same page.)
Considering that he’s one of the most talented players in the league, it’s probably not ideal that Irving is being seen as a potential problem by some organizations.
But even with what took place this season, there will still likely be many teams intrigued by the possibility of adding him to the roster.