Kyrie Irving Rumors: Celtics to Meet 'Soon' with Star Ahead of NBA Free Agency
June 17, 2019
Before Kyrie Irving officially hits the open market, the point guard will reportedly meet with the Boston Celtics to discuss his future, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
The two sides could potentially meet before Thursday's NBA draft as they "look for clarity ahead of the start of free agency on June 30."
Irving will decline his $21.3 million option for next season to hit free agency.
There has been a lot of speculation the All-Star is headed to the Brooklyn Nets, with Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reporting he is "intensely interested" in the team.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith also recently discussed the player going to Brooklyn:
Meanwhile, Ian Begley of SNY reported the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are interested in signing him and still believe they are in the running.
The Lakers could be especially intriguing as they try to add another star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
However, the Celtics likely only want to know whether he plans on staying or going. The upcoming meeting might not be able to convince him to remain in Boston after a disappointing year, but it could at least provide some indication about where he is leaning.
If Irving is definitely gone, the organization can change its approach going into the draft and free agency, knowing what it will need on the roster as well as how much it will have to spend. It could also affect players like Terry Rozier and Al Horford as they try to secure their futures with or without the team.