Exploring whether the New York Knicks can actually convince Kyrie Irving to leave the Boston Celtics next summer, when he hits the free agency market
This offseason has seen an abundance of rumors pertaining to the future of all-star point guard Kyrie Irving. Despite the Boston Celtics‘ playoff success this past season, many believe that the New Jersey native has his sights set on joining the New York Knicks next summer when he becomes a free agent.
However, at first glance, it looks like the smart move would be for Irving to stay put. Boston has shocked everyone around the league as they made a deep postseason run and finished one game from an NBA Finals berth, all without their two all-stars.
Rookie sensation Jayson Tatum showed tremendous growth and has superstar potential. Jaylen Brown has also improved significantly since last season, and looks to be part of this Celtics nucleus for years to come.
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With the departure of LeBron James to Los Angeles, Boston is the clear cut favorite to win the East. While this possible move to the Knicks may seem irrational at first glance, it is a legitimate possibility. Irving was also in a similar situation with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as he and LeBron made it to three consecutive NBA Finals and even won a championship together in 2016.
But Kyrie Irving still left Cleveland in hopes of leading a team as the first option. With the emergence of Tatum to true all-star form, this may pose a threat to the unquestioned ideal of Kyrie as the franchise cornerstone. Irving is one of the top players in the league, but Tatum is younger, more athletic, and has been compared as the next Paul Pierce.
Furthermore, the phenomenal play of backup point guard Terry Rozier in the playoffs as well as Irving’s injury history make it likely that Danny Ainge may not offer Kyrie a max contract, as the Celtics have proven they can win without him.
Even if the Celtics win a championship, Kyrie will still be perceived as less accomplished than Celtics legends such as Paul Pierce and Larry Bird. However, the appeal in New York is more than just glitz and glamor.
It is no secret that the New York Knicks have struggled vitally over the last several years. If Irving could bring back a title to the Mecca, he would cement his legacy as one of the greatest point guards of this generation, and that in itself, might just be enough to lure the hometown kid to the Big Apple.