Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving says by trading power forward Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks are positioning themselves for this upcoming summer. The Knicks created two max salary slots by trading Porzingis and are expected to heavily pursue Irving once he opts out of his 2019-20 player option with the Celtics.

Kyrie Irving, who grew up in New Jersey, says he respects the Knicks organization and wishes them the best.

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Before the 2018-19 started, Irving told Celtics fans at the TD Garden that he was planning to re-sign with Boston this summer. The All-Star guard kind of backed off that commitment on Friday when speaking to reporters in New York, though, saying he doesn't owe anyone anything and that reporters should ask him on July 1 where he plans on playing next season.

Irving is the same player who shocked the basketball world in 2017 when he requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers to get away from LeBron James. Nothing should shock us anymore with what Uncle Drew does. The Celtics are still the favorites to re-sign Irving, but it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone in the league if Kyrie leaves Boston and signs with the Knicks assuming New York gets another superstar as well.