The 2018-19 NBA season has yet to start and most are already looking ahead to an explosive offseason. Although it seems a bit off key, there are big names to watch out for like Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics and Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Irving, acquired by the Celtics from the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, could end up declining the $21 million player option after the 2018-19 NBA season. His decision will depend on how well the C’s can perform this season. Aside from that, there is also his health that could become a basis for bigger contracts ahead.
The Celtics are one of the teams to watch in the Eastern Conference. They fell short of making it to the last NBA Finals, falling to the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. James has moved on to the Western Conference, giving the Celtics better chances of advancing this time around.
However, everything still depends on the players that coach Brad Stevens can work with. Irving failed to finish last season after undergoing a minimally-invasive procedure to remove a tension wire in his left knee. It remains to be seen if he can be fit for this year’s NBA grind.
Given those scenarios, “Uncle Drew” is expected to weigh his options. Opting out may not necessarily mean leaving Celtics. If Boston can match any offer pitched to the all-star guard, then well and good. To sweeten the pot, adding another player could make things more interesting.
That player in mention is Jimmy Butler who is reportedly keen on teaming up with close friend Kyrie, Athletic’s Shams Charania said. The 29-year-old swingman will be sitting down with T-Wolves management to discuss his future with the team. If he is retained, he could end up batting for Minnesota to try and deal for Irving.
If talks bog down, Butler could end up moving elsewhere. Could it be in Boston? Though he has already proven himself, his position seems filled with younger and rising players unless team president Danny Ainge decides to make a change. Again, this will all depend on how the Celtics perform this coming NBA season, Mass Live said.
There is also a scenario where Irving could move to Minnesota and team up with his buddy. But will Irving move away from Bean Town, a place where plenty of greats have ended their career on a high note?
If not Boston or Minnesota, there are other teams that could make room for both Irving and Butler. The Knicks have been mentioned where a potential Big Three could be formed (alongside Kristaps Porzingis). Unfortunately, SB Nation claims that Kyrie is not interested of moving to Gotham.
For now, the reality is that Irving and Butler need to play out the 2018-19 NBA season. There will be rumors and sidelights, all of which are likely to pile up for the coming months.
