Kyrie Irving drops BIG free agency hint to Lakers, Knicks while talking about Jayson Tatum
KYRIE IRVING has dropped a subtle hint that he is focussed on re-signing with the Boston Celtics in free agency this summer, snubbing the possibility of joining the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks.
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Irving is just one of the headline stars entering free agency this summer and has been heavily linked with both the Knicks and Lakers.
It was only at the start of the season that he declared to some Boston season ticket holders that he would re-sign if they wanted him to.
But fast forward a few months and Irving has since cut a frustrated figure when asked further about whether he has changed his mind.
That has led to some fears that the 27-year-old may look to leave the Celtics come the end of the season.
However, in an interview sat alongside Boston team-mate Jayson Tatum, Irving suggested that his future plans remain in Boston.
Speaking about his time playing alongside LeBron James, Irving admitted he hopes to have a similar success story with Tatum, hinting that he wants to stay and win in Boston.
“I see the same thing in what me and [Tatum] talk about now,” Irving said on the the Knuckleheads podcast.
“We’re six years apart. And I try to tell him, I’m like, look: ‘I’m a liaison between all of this… Whatever you need me to do.
“‘I’ll get out your way once you get to that point [of greatness].
“‘You go ahead. This is yours. You want it? Go take it.’
“And I tell J as well: ‘Me and you in this, going for the guts and glory.
“‘When it’s all on the line? I know I need you right next to me. So let’s get this thing going.’
“I have a different relationship with all of my teammates but specifically with him, how special he is.”
Both Irving and Tatum are products of Duke’s impressive collegiate programme.
The Celtics duo only played one season each for Duke and joined Boston the same summer in 2017, with Irving coming via trade and Tatum joining in the draft.