Kyrie Irving recently expressed his desire to remain a team member of the Boston Celtics beyond the season.
According to ESPN, Irving said he already shared his desire to some of his teammates, with the organization, and everyone else in Boston. The 26-year-old revealed on social media that if Boston Celtics are willing to have him back, he plans on re-signing with them next year. This, of course, has raised applause for season ticket holders last Thursday night at the TD Garden.
The earlier mentioned source unveiled Irving is set to enter the last year of his five-year contract with Cleveland Cavaliers. The contract he signed reportedly amounts over $94 million prior to the 2015 to 2016 season. Irving has the privilege of player option for the 2019 to 2020 season and can be an unrestricted agent after.
It can be recalled that he was with Boston after a trade from Cavaliers happened in August. Unfortunately, Irving's season immediately ended in March as he is dealing with the persistent knee issue. Last month, the veteran basketball player also hints he wants to remain in Boston. However, he highlighted some financial implications and this was the reason why he did not instantly sign a new contract with the team.
There is a high chance of having left more than $80 million on the table if only Irving decided to sign with Boston last summer. It is better than waiting to re-sign with the Celtics next summer. Several speculations are linking Irving to New York Knicks with the interest to lure him in free agency. Reports suggest Knicks is eyeing for a Jimmy Butler and Irving team up but the latter says he has not spoken to Butler since the year 2016.
Moreover, Irving addressed the free agency rumors saying, "I'm accepting it's going to be a constant story. It's a point in my professional career where it is a big-time decision. I've been away from Cleveland officially for a year now, and I'm finally getting acclimated in Boston."
Paul Pierce, a former basketball player and the great pride of Boston Celtics told ESPN that Irving's choice to return to Celtics is actually a wise move for his legacy. Pierce explained that his choice is a legacy decision and seeing the potential of the team as they move forward in Boston takes vision.
Furthermore, if he wins the championship with Boston, it will be a different experience than the one in Cleveland. As Pierce describes it, "He will be immortalized if he wins in Boston Celtics."
