It’s increasingly unlikely that star guard Kyrie Irving will sign a max extension with the Boston Celtics this summer. If that’s the case, the five-time All-Star will hit the free agent market next July. He’ll likely join a group that includes Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler.
While the idea of Irving and Butler teaming up together has been bandied about, this report from ESPN’s Ian Begley suggests that Irving himself will consider signing with the New York Knicks next summer.
“Several executives expect Irving to give the Knicks consideration next summer if he tests free agency,” Begley noted.
Begley’s ESPN colleague, Chris Haynes, also reported that the Knicks were among the teams Irving wanted to be traded to last summer before he was ultimately shipped off to Boston.
New York already has the capability to add one max-contract player next summer. Heavily linked to Durant, it seems like Irving would be a more realistic option.