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Boston Celtics: Kyrie Irving seems as good as gone

By Mark Nilon

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)
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) /
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Kyrie Irving, one of the NBA’s premier talents, is slated to hit unrestricted free agency come June 30th. Though the point guard has found much success during his two year stint with the Boston Celtics, according to recent reports, it appears the 27-year-old has his sights set on signing with the Brooklyn Nets.

When the Boston Celtics acquired point guard Kyrie Irving in 2017, via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, they believed they were receiving their centerpiece for the future. A four time All-Star with otherworldly scoring abilities and a championship to his name, Irving was viewed as a necessary addition for the Celtics in their attempt to legitimately contend for an NBA title.

Now, two years removed, it appears as though Boston is no more near attaining the Larry O’Brien trophy than they were prior to the blockbuster deal. Aside from Irving’s stellar individual accolades (two All-Star selections while averaging over 24 PPG and 6 APG) the Celtics have come up short in both of the point guard’s first two seasons with the franchise, being ousted in the Eastern Conference Finals (albeit with Irving sidelined due to injury) in 2018 and, most recently, in the Conference Semi-Finals.

Come June 30th, the six time All-Star will be an unrestricted free agent. With this, the point guard is eligible to sign wherever his heart desires. Though multiple reports are indicating Irving has significant interest in returning to the Atlantic Division, it does not appear Boston is his preferred destination. In fact, according to sources, the Brooklyn Nets seem to be his most likely landing spot.

Though the Celtics can offer him the most money, as well as an extra year on his contract, Irving appears to be more inclined to migrate closer to home. The West Orange native lived in New Jersey up until his departure for college at Duke University back in 2010. Seems only natural he would be interested in playing for the Nets, a franchise that called Essex County home for 35 years.

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Nothing can be made official until July, and things can easily change within the next three weeks but, by the current look of things, Irving seems hellbent on being homeward bound. With this, Boston may be gearing up to find a replacement at the point guard position this offseason.