NBA
Kyrie Irving: Why Knicks And Nets Have Shot To Sign Him In 2019
Kyrie Irving is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. The 2019 free agency class is going to be a loaded one. Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and others will be available. Irving seems to want the responsibilities that’s demanded from a franchise player. The New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets have a shot to sign him in 2019. Here’s a few reasons why.
The New York Knicks
Why do the Knicks have shot to sign Irving next summer? Remember when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he demanded a trade. On his list of preferred trade destinations, the Knicks were on that list. The excited brand of basketball he brings, especially with his ball handling ability, would electrify Madison Square Garden.
Also, having Kristaps Porzingis, who’s recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, should be ready to play by next season. An Irving and Porzingis duo will be something the Knicks sell him on next summer. The emergence of Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson also will give them confidence in signing him in 2019.
The Brooklyn Nets
The Nets also will be lurking in the Irving sweepstakes next summer. Some might not think they have a realistic shot, but they do. They’ve have recovered nicely from the blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics in 2013. Nets General Manager Sean Marks has emphasized having cap space at their disposal for 2019.
They also can offer Irving a shot to team with Jimmy Butler as well. When this upcoming season ends, they’ll have enough cap space for two max players. The rumors of both players wanting to play together are out there. Just like with the Knicks, he would also be the franchise player for the Nets in an Eastern Conference that isn’t that strong.
The Threat Of Luring Kyrie Irving Out Of Boston Is Real
The Boston Celtics should be aware of the Knicks and Nets lurking through the shadows next summer. At the moment, the Celtics are head and shoulders better than both teams, which should be their argument to keep him. When Irving was out for the rest of the season, they thrived without him.
They came one win short of getting to the NBA Finals. Jayson Tatum is now arguably the Celtics best player, and Irving is starting to realize that. He could decide to be like one of his idols, Kobe Bryant, who always loved taking on a challenge.
He could decide to go somewhere to beat them to prove to them how great he is. The threat the Celtics will face from both New York teams in 2019 will be real. They better be prepared, because best believe the Knicks and Nets will be.
