Boston Celtics: This season’s effect on Kyrie Irving’s free agency decision

By Rudi Richards | Jan 17, 2019

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks down during the fourth quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

With Boston Celtics superstar Kyrie Irving approaching an important decision regarding his future in Boston, we look at how likely he is to re-sign here.

As we approach the midway point of what has been a far less than satisfactory season, from where the Boston Celtics are concerned, questions are starting to linger over the future of Kyrie Irving and whether or not this season’s antics will play a large role in his free agency decision.

As of Thursday afternoon, the C’s currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, with a record of 26-18, a place they hoped to be ahead of a few months ago. Now, this team certainly has the talent to carry on getting better and also compete at the same time. But it hasn’t exactly shown throughout the whole season, so far. It’s clear that Irving is regarded as the greatest player on this team, and to go forward they have to make sure they lock him down for the long-term future.

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Irving is currently in the last guaranteed year on his contract, and will have a player option for the 2019-20 season. The five-time All-Star will be highly sought after, as he continues to be held in the highest of regards as one the NBA’s greatest talents.

Whether or not Kyrie would remain a Celtic for years down the road remained unknown at the time they traded beloved Isaiah Thomas and co. to Cleveland last year. But then Kyrie announced in front of the TD Garden faithful that he would be staying in Boston for the long haul, news that both thrilled and united fans of the league’s most storied franchise.

What Danny Ainge has built over the last few years is something to behold. It’s a masterpiece. When you look at the talent on this roster, it really is a monstrous line up on paper. Albeit, to turn what Ainge has built into a winning team takes more than just a roster full of talent, as shown this season.

For everything that hasn’t clicked this year, Irving leaving would diminish a lot of what can happen. Taking him out of the fold and the totally scrapping the plan that got him here in the first place, would leave the Celtics kind of starting over again. You don’t take your best player out of the gameplay and just get on with it, it’s not that easy.

Sure, the C’s could potentially have four first round picks this year, which is astonishing, but what good are all of these assets if you don’t have that number one option to be there at the biggest moments, and guide the younger talent into becoming the players that they will one day be?

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The Celts need to lock up Kyrie and let him take this team forward. There’s plenty of other talent here, and plenty to come and one day Jayson Tatum could and should be our Paul Pierce, but, for now, Kyrie has to be the one to lead this Celtics team on their quest for banner 18.