New York Knicks Kyrie Irving
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Kyrie Irving’s plans are unknown after saying he would not sign a contract extension this offseason, leaving hope for the New York Knicks.

Kyrie Irving and the New York Knicks were linked in trade rumors during the 2017 offseason. But after the All-Star guard was traded to the Boston Celtics, any hope for a homecoming for Irving was put to rest—or at least that’s what we thought.

Recently, Irving began making headlines for comments he’s made in regards to Boston and his contract situation. When asked if he would sign a contract extension this offseason, Irving told Chris Forsberg of ESPN, “Contractually, financially, [an extension] just doesn’t make any sense.”

If Irving is confident that he is going to return to full-strength next season, he’s right—signing an extension doesn’t make sense. He can make more money if he waits and cashes in after next season. So this doesn’t necessarily mean that Kyrie is counting down the days until he can leave Boston. But it does leave open the possibility for his departure. By itself, it’s not even close to enough to warrant serious speculation that he’s leaving.

Although once you connect a few dots, things start to add up. Earlier in June, Irving spoke with Sopan Deb of the New York Times and when asked if he would be with the Celtics long-term, Irving gave a roundabout response.

He’s doing some serious verbal gymnastics to avoid saying anything concrete. Again, this isn’t enough evidence to say that Irving is leaving Boston. But when packaged with Irving’s unwillingness to sign an extension, it begins to add up.

Not to mention, Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports is reporting that there are still people that believe that Kyrie to New York is a real possibility.

Add in the fact that LeBron James could sign with Boston this offseason and everything begins to get thrown out of whack.

Right now, it’s far too early to know what Irving’s long-term plans are. But if nothing else, there is still a chance that Irving comes to New York to team up with Kristaps Porzingis.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.