Irving tight-lipped on potential LeBron reunion
BOSTON — Kyrie Irving didn’t have much to say when asked about the possibility of former teammate LeBron James joining him on the Boston Celtics this offseason.
“In this business, I’ve experienced it all and I’ve seen a lot, so we’ll see what management decides,” Irving said on Tuesday.
Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason after playing in James’ shadow for three seasons, and he got his wish when he was dealt to the Celtics.
James now has the potential to opt out of the final year of his deal, and the Celtics have been linked to the sport’s biggest star as a potential suitor.
“Obviously, it’s a business at the end of the day,” Irving said. “Ownership and management, they’re going to feel what’s best for our future and I’m fully supportive of (them). We’ll see what happens.”
Also on the docket for the Celtics is assessing Irving’s future with the team. The 26-year-old is eligible for an extension this summer, though he noted agreeing to such a deal “doesn’t make any sense” considering the potential to make up to $80 million more next offseason.
“I think you guys can feel my attitude is really just redemption next year,” Irving said.
“I’m really integrating myself with our team again and really focused on winning a championship. That’s the only thing I’m really worried about.
“Until I get to that point, then I can’t really answer any questions. I’m pretty sure management and I will have a talk, but that talk won’t happen now.”
Irving is looking forward to getting back on the court after a successful first season with the Celtics (24.4 points, 5.1 assists per game) was cut short at 60 games by a knee injury that required surgery.
Even without their biggest star, the Celtics made it within one win of the NBA Finals.
“I couldn’t be more proud of what our young guys experienced — I mean they went to Game 7 of the frickin’ Eastern Conference final,” Irving said.
“For me, I’m just glad everyone got to learn how special they were on a bigger stage.
“Some of their numbers probably didn’t look as appealing from the outside, but they were always locked in. And then when they were afforded the opportunity to take the reins of the team, you saw them take full advantage of it.
“You saw guys that literally are going to be stars in this league for years to come.”