Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Let’s just enjoy Kyrie Irving in Celtics green

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on October 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on October 18, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Entering the final year of his contract, the focus has been on whether Kyrie Irving wants to remain with the Boston Celtics long term or take his services to the Big Apple.

The Boston Celtics are a better team with Kyrie Irving.

Let’s repeat that.  The Boston Celtics are a better team with Kyrie Irving and that’s why fans are entertained on whether the star will remain with the team beyond 2019.

Given the link Irving has with current Minnesota Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler, the reports surfacing Wednesday from Adrian Wojnarowski that Butler has demanded a trade, fuels the rumors about Irving’s potential interest in one of the New York teams.

According to Wojnarowski, Butler has three preferred destinations that include the Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers.  All three of those teams are teams have the max cap space to sign Butler to a long-term deal.

More from Chowder and Champions

Interesting?  Yes indeed.

If he is traded to the Knicks or Nets this season, there could be more lore for Kyrie Irving to sign with one of those teams.  While there is some concern there from a fan aspect, Danny Ainge, Brad Stevens and Irving himself are focused on the 2018-19 NBA season.

With Gordon Hayward returning, along with the progression of the young studs (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier), the Boston Celtics are favorites in the Eastern Conference and are in position to at least challenge the Golden State Warriors.

Should the Celtics trade for Jimmy Butler?

Ironically, adding a player like Jimmy Butler could be a move that puts them over the top.  But, would a player like Butler be worth it even if it means adding him keeps Kyrie Irving around long term?

That is a decision for Danny Ainge, who has had interest in Butler in previous seasons.  It is also a move Ainge wouldn’t shy away from making.  It’s an intriguing option, but what’s more intriguing is seeing how the current team with a healthy Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving plays together.

Adding those two players to a team that took LeBron James to the brink in the Eastern Conference Finals is exciting.  Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, who is only focused on his current players, talked about the health of his players.

He also took time to detail the progress Irving has made as far as health.

"“I saw him this morning [Wednesday] at the facility and he looks good,” Stevens told the media Wednesday, via NBA.com.  “He’s worked really hard, I think he’s really excited and it’s good to see that.  I think both he and Gordon will appreciate all the little things and all the mundane things even more, because Kyrie’s had the end of the season taken away from him twice in the last four years, and the one with us last year was such a shock because of the unfortunate event with the infections.”"

The key word Stevens mentioned is excitement.  With how far the team was able to advance without him, Kyrie Irving appears focused on helping this 2018-19 Boston Celtics team get even further.

Add to the fact Gordon Hayward is back and there is also some unfinished business that the team needs to address this season.  Yes, beyond 2019 is something to think about, but not right now.  This season, the Boston Celtics have a chance to do some special things led by a very special player.

Next. The 5 faces of the Boston Celtics: The coach, the stars and the future. dark

Instead of falling prey to Irving’s flirtation with the city of New York, let’s enjoy what he does in the green and white no matter what the future holds.

Home/Boston Celtics