It looks like Boston Celtics’ All-Star guard Kyrie Irving won’t be exploring the market when he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2019. During an event for Celtics’ season-ticket holders held at TD Garden on Thursday night, Irving announced that he intends to re-sign with Boston next year.
“I’ve shared it with some of my teammates as well as the organization as well as everyone else in Boston. If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here next year,” – said the 26-year-old and received a loud round of applause.
Kyrie Irving is entering the fourth year of his five-year, $94 million contract he signed with Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2015. Since the fifth year is a player option, it is expected that Irving declines it and becomes an unrestricted free agent, which would give him the opportunity to sign a maximum contract extension.
“If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here.” – @KyrieIrving pic.twitter.com/0wDLzuv5WL
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 4, 2018
It makes sense that Kyrie Irving wants to re-sign with Boston Celtics since he would remain part of one of NBA’s strongest rosters and Eastern Conference winner favorites. Also, he can earn the most money in Boston. If he re-signs with Celtics, Irving can get a five-year deal worth $188 million. In case he would want to go elsewhere, he could only get a four-year, $139 million deal.
Although his first season with Celtics was cut short due to an injury, Irving still showed that why he could establish himself as the unquestionable leader of this team. In 60 games he played in the 2017-18 regular season, he averaged 24.4, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.
