Show Kyrie the Commitment

The Boston Celtics tout one of the deepest rosters in the league currently, but that could all change very quickly. The Celtics could have nine potential players on their roster this season entering free agency next summer. While some players with options for the 2019-20 season are expected to never see the free agent market, like Al Horford, one player in particular is almost guaranteed to be seeking a new contract: Kyrie Irving. It is all but certain that Kyrie will be declining the $21.3 million player option on his contract in favor of signing a max deal, or something very close. Irving addressed his upcoming free agency prior to the season when he spoke to fans at TD Garden expressing his plan to re-sign with the franchise. This was a promising sign for Boston, but in the NBA, anything can change.

The allure of teaming up with another established superstar like Kevin Durant in a market like New York City may have influence beyond Boston’s control when it comes to where “Uncle Drew” suits up next year. What is in their control is how they posture this young Celtics team in the eyes of Irving. He knows that they have ample talent and should have no issue stabilizing themselves as perennial title contenders. If he feels he can get that elsewhere, then Boston has to make sure he knows he is the man when it comes to his current team.

Jayson Tatum is showing all the signs of being a top player in the league for much of his career, but, right now, Kyrie Irving is the best player on this squad. Trading Rozier would show Irving they are all in on him. It would show him they don’t feel a need for a back up plan, because he is integral, if not necessary, in their plan to hang another banner in the rafters and they view him as irreplaceable.

Kyrie’s personality is a lot like his game- he wants to be the man. It’s why he left the team that drafted him and it’s Boston’s best bet to retaining him.

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