The NBA has blossomed into a 24-7, 365 sport. Fans simply can’t get enough. The Finals just ended last week and offseason chatter is already saturating the internet. Rumors are everywhere. One of the players whose name has repeatedly popped up in these discussions: Kyrie Irving.
The standout point guard and former No. 1 overall pick, whom the Boston Celtics acquired last summer in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has one guaranteed year left on his deal. Next summer, he has a player option — meaning he could opt out and become a free agent.
Some have speculated the Celtics could look to deal Irving, as Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart both broke out in this year’s postseason. Boston has said it plans to bring back both players. Furthermore, Boston learned it had a potential franchise player in Jayson Tatum, who at times went toe-to-toe with LeBron James.
For what it’s worth, Kyrie is already annoyed with questions about his future.
Kyrie “I’m truly grateful to be able to speak with management and the coaching staff….we have an open Dialogue about the direction we’re going in.”
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 12, 2018
Kyrie on his future: “my hope is we can limit it to maybe one question a day about what I’m doing next year.”
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 12, 2018
Adding another layer to all this drama: the Celtics could be be in contention to land LeBron this summer. Kyrie, of course, famously requested a trade from the Cavs to get away from King James. He was tired of playing in LeBron’s shadow.
Could LeBron Land in Boston?
It’s hard to imagine LeBron could end up in Beantown given his contentious relationship with the franchise and its fan base over the course of his career. If he truly cares only about winning championships, however, Boston may be his best bet.
Vegas gives the Celtics a shot at landing the game’s best player, but considers that outcome quite unlikely. See below for BetDSI Sportsbook’s full odds on LeBron’s decision.
Los Angeles Lakers +250
Philadelphia 76ers +300
Miami Heat +500
Houston Rockets +600
Cleveland Cavaliers +650
New York Knicks +800
Field +1000
San Antonio Spurs +2500
Golden State Warriors +4500
Boston Celtics +5000
Chicago Bulls +7500
Oklahoma City Thunder +7500
Washington Wizards +10000
