Has Kyrie Irving Changed Mind In Committing To Celtics? 'I Don't Owe Anybody [Expletive]'
BOSTON (CBS) -- Drama. Drama. And some more drama. That's what the NBA is providing on a daily basis. And the Boston Celtics are not exempt.
While the Kristaps Porzingis trade on Thursday was a massive one, it's the Anthony Davis trade request in New Orleans that appears to have upset the smooth sailing that the C's were once merrily enjoying.
Irving, you'll remember, told an arena full of excited fans during the preseason that he would indeed be signing a long-term extension at the end of the 2018-19 season. Prior to that, he had not committed to making such a call.
Now a few months later, Irving appears to be wavering. When asked if he's changed his mind, Irving had a terse response: "Ask me July 1st."
Kyrie opens the door to speculation on his future: "Ask me, July 1st."
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) February 1, 2019
In another comment, Irving succinctly told reporters that he owes nobody answers at this point in time.
In slightly more expansive comments, Irving said he's just trying to make the best decision for himself.
What Irving could have meant by these comments remains up for interpretation. He might have just been telling the media that he does not owe them an answer. A more skeptical interpretation could lead one to believe that he does not feel obligated to honor his preseason commitment to Boston.
We'll all have to wait until July 1 for the answer. However, Irving did present plenty of reasons to believe he will end up signing with Boston.
Kyrie: "What excited me a lot about the beginning of the season was the opportunity to come into this season really just doing what we planned on doing, set a goal & go after it & then see what happens at the end of the season.That was the plan before & that's still the plan now"
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) February 1, 2019
That's promising from a Boston perspective, but it's still a step back from "I will be signing" to "Boston's still at the head of that race."
Kyrie also noted that 'Boston's still at the head of that race' for free agency, but it's pretty clear now he's leaving the door open a bit to a change of heart and that has to rattle Celtics a little.
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) February 1, 2019
And as for Davis, it appears as though he does not want to play long-term for the Celtics.
Sources @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: The Boston Celtics aren't a preferred destination long-term for New Orleans star Anthony Davis, and in Davis' mind, remain a rental option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2019
Chris Mannix's report would indicate that the Davis news may be affecting Irving's long-term plans.
Boston continues to be confident about re-signing Kyrie Irving this summer, per sources. But make no mistake: They understand that adding AD may be the only way to guarantee he stays.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 1, 2019
And so concludes another saga from "As The NBA Turns." Until tomorrow.