NBA Rumors: New York Knicks to go hard after Kyrie Irving in free agency
NBA Rumors: As he prepares to hit the free agent market next summer, the New York Knicks are expected to go hard after Kyrie Irving
The New York Knicks, over the last few years, have slowly been rebuilding something exciting. And it’s something that hasn’t been said about the franchise in quite some time. But the Knicks are nearly out of salary cap hell, and will be players in free agency next summer.
And, according to reports, there is one big name player that the Knicks plan on going all-in for when he hits the free agent market next summer. And that player is Kyrie Irving, who can opt out of the final year of his contract after the 2018-19 NBA season (which he will likely do).
The Celtics have made it clear that they want to re-sign Kyrie, but Irving hasn’t exactly given his word strong enough about re-signing with the club, which would successfully shut down any of these rumors.
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"[NBC Sports]I can tell you right now, the New York Knicks, he is their No. 1 target. I’ve spoken with people within that organization. They have made it absolutely crystal clear to me that, if they had their pick of guys that are going to be in the free agent market this summer, Kyrie would be their first, second, third and fourth choice."
Irving only played in 60 games last season, as he was shut down for the final two months of the regular season and playoffs due to a knee injury. But when he was playing for the Celtics this past season, he was no question in the running to win the NBA’s MVP award.
He averaged 24 points, five assists and four rebounds on a career-high 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range.
The Knicks hitting on Kyrie would go a long way in their rebuild. This team has some really interesting pieces, in Kristaps Porzingis, rookie Kevin Knox and second-year guard Frank Ntilikina. But an addition such as Kyrie would take this franchise to the next level.
And, at the same time, weaken on of New York’s biggest rival.
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It’s certainly too early to tell what Kyrie is going to do next summer, but even if he wants to re-sign with the Celtics, it should be stated that they’ll have some competition. And the Knicks expect to be at the front of the line.