Kyrie Irving says that he strongly considered Knicks before committing to the Celtics

This one might pique a bit for New York Knicks fans.

On Saturday, Boston Celtics goaltender Kyrie Irving confirmed that he was strongly considering signing with the Knicks as a free agent next summer before committing to staying with him. the Celtics.

"Every team was in the study, but it's clear that New York has a special place for me," said Irving, via the New York Daily News. "Just be from Jersey and see me as a free agent, take a meeting and play for (the Knicks coach, David Fizdale) and an excellent young core that they have here."

"Thinking of playing with (Kristaps Porzingis) .It was an important thing before I made my decision to schedule a new signing with Boston.But yes, of course, New York was an important consideration."

You can see the comments of Irving below, via Celtics on NBC Sports Boston:

Irving has decided to end the swirling speculation and announce his intention to sign up again with the Celtics several months before his independent agency.

"I shared it with some of my teammates, with the organization and with everyone in Boston," said Irving at an event aimed at season ticket holders at TD Garden more early this month, via the Celtics. "If you want me to come back, I plan to sign here again next year."

This announcement surprised many people who were expecting Irving to spark a ton of interest in the free agent market next summer – and even more rumors and speculation before the month of July.

"The timing is everything with that," said Irving, via Chris Forsberg from NBC Sports Boston. "I'm happy to be able to share it with Boston fans and the people who live there.It was a great reception, I was just happy to do it with .I really intend to sing back [with the Celtics]I just wanted to clarify things … I have every intention of signing with Boston. "

In the end, Irving said his decision to stay in Boston was a matter of happiness.

"The important thing was just to be happy," Irving said. "Having an environment in which I am challenged … and I can improve myself as a basketball player and as a man and grow up here."

Irving is clearly happy in Boston. Regarding a Knicks franchise that has not been a popular destination for independent players, being considered by a player of Irving's stature could be considered a step in the right direction.