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Kyrie Irving spoke at length in February about rumors surrounding her future in the NBA. He called these whispers "unjustified comments," while reminding reporters that the decision to sign with a team would be his and hers alone.
When asked if he was still planning to sign up again with Boston, the playmaker replied, "Ask me on July 1st."
The comment has all but stopped in the months since. The Celtics' frustrating season and premature exit from the playoffs have raised even more questions about where Irving will be competing next season. An analyst suggested that other Boston players "would help him pack" if he signed elsewhere.
Irving may exercise a player option for the 2019-2020 season or deny it for unrestricted free play. He was linked to a move, alongside Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant at the New York Knicks. According to other reports, he would be back with LeBron James, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Whispers will not stop until Irving signs a new contract in Boston or another NBA destination. The free agency starts on July 1st.
Here's what NBA experts say about the future of the leader:
Brian Windhorst, ESPN
Irving's signature at the Lakers
Over time, I would have said it was impossible for several months. But with the passing of time and the possibility that Jason Kidd will be hired as a Lakers coach, I think Kyrie and LeBron could come together – this door, which was numb, was spotless and has now been opened … even open more per day. And I say that just because I think it's in Kyrie's radar, it's on Kyrie's board. He had discussions with people about playing for the Lakers.
Ramona Shelburne, ESPN
I can just see a world in which he goes to the Phoenix Suns, where it suits him perfectly. Look, we tried this year when Kyrie gets into a situation where he's trying to be a leader, he's trying to take a team to the next level, to a championship – it did not work. He could not do it. On the contrary, you reset the elements where the expectations are lower and you can have a bigger impact on the culture. I know we've talked a lot about the Knicks and the Nets. I do not really see how it fits in Brooklyn without them having to trade one of their backs, right?
Frank Isola, the athletic
The Lakers have a better composition and the fourth overall pick. Pelicans can find an interesting deal with the Lakers. Or [New Orleans general manager David] Griffin could start having conversations with Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge, who has a young and talented lineup as well as first-round picks. According to sources, Ainge would like to sign Irving again and think that's what it will do if the Celtics acquire Davis.
Stephen A. Smith, ESPN
Irving joins James in Los Angeles
According to what has been said, this will not happen. I received an SMS from people close to Kyrie's family, within an hour, while we were teasing this subject. Quote: "It is not possible for him to go to Los Angeles. I do not care what everyone says, destroy it for us now, please. He's not going to Los Angeles. That's what they say.
Signature with the New York Knicks at Irving
All I've heard in recent days, Kyrie Irving is heading to New York. Kyrie Irving will visit Madison Square Garden with Kevin Durant. People around him are trying to introduce the Nets into the mix, but it's clear that New York is the destination. The probability is that it will be MSG.
According to the people I talked to, they put 95% chance that KD and Kyrie will go to New York next season. With these two personalities, people refuse to say 100%.
Jalen Rose, ESPN
Kyrie Irving is an isolated player who dominates the ball. They were once the team where Al Horford, their center, guided them. It was their style. Now they have chosen to give the ball to Kyrie to bring them home. He showed he could not be the best player of a team in the running. He ended up in Boston. And you're ready for this? His teammates will help him to pack his bags.
David Aldridge, the athlete
I've heard that Davis would not completely rule out staying with the Celtics without Irving, but the chances of him seeing it increase in this scenario are considerably lower.
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