The Boston Celtics find themselves in an awkward situation heading into free agency. Kyrie Irving’s future in the city is uncertain at best.
In fact, multiple reports indicate that Irving is planning to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. That has raised questions about the Celtics’ willingness to trade top-end assets for Anthony Davis.
Simply put, moving a combination of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and draft picks for Davis doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense if Iving doesn’t return.
According to this report from Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the Celtics are holding back on their trade offer to the Pelicans for Davis. Though, it has more to do with New Orleans star not willing to sign a long-term deal.
“One league source said the uncertainty surrounding Davis’s long-term future in Boston has thus far limited the Celtics’ willingness to overwhelm New Orleans with an offer,” the reprot read.
Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, noted recently that it would be a one-year deal for the Celtics and Davis. He’s making a full-court press to get his client to Los Angeles with the Lakers.
This would certainly be a risky proposition for the Celtics. If they were to lose Irving in free agency, adding Davis wouldn’t put the team over the top. Losing Davis after one season would destroy everything general manager Danny Ainge has built.