What if Kyrie Irving leaves the Celtics?
Even if the Boston Celtics make a deep playoff run and hypothetically make it to the NBA Finals, there’s still a big decision that needs to be made this summer regarding Kyrie Irving – and it could really go both ways. For one, the Celtics need to decide whether or not they’re going to offer him a max extension. At the same time, Kyrie needs to figure out what’s best for his future – re-signing with the Celtics or signing elsewhere.
He’s backtracked on his promise to Celtics fans a bit, and said he’s going to make the right decision for his future. And Kyrie could throw a huge wrench in the Celtics’ future plans should he decide to walk in free agency. In the even that Kyrie leaves, how would the Celtics pivot?
Would they still pursuit Anthony Davis (if he’s not dealt yet), or some other disgruntled star? Or would they simply pivot to building around their young core? If so, it would clearly remove the Celtics amid the group of potential contenders in the Eastern Conference next season.