Boston Celtics: Kyrie Irving’s commitment puts ball on Danny Ainge’s court

Kyrie Irving made Boston Celtics fans gush by verbally committing to re-sign with the team when his contract expires in the summer of 2019.

Boston Celtics fans are already excited about the short-term and long-term future of this basketball team and Kyrie Irving made it even brighter Thursday night by making an announcement that really made fans gush.

The 26-year-old All-Star point guard made an appearance at the season-ticket holder event held at TD Garden and quickly put any free agency rumors to rest.

"“I’ve shared it with some of my teammates as well as the organization as well as everyone else in Boston.  If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here next hear,” Irving told the TD Garden crowd, as transcribed by ESPN."

Fans would certainly have a player the caliber of Kyrie Irving back.  Given his age and talent, the Boston Celtics will be a championship contender for years to come if indeed he signs a long-term deal.

Money wise, the Celtics can offer him the most.  On a basketball standpoint, he is in a great position on a team built to win now and in the future.  So, why wouldn’t Irving want to return to play in a great sports town?

Other than the possibility of playing in his hometown, playing elsewhere never made since in the mind of the average basketball fan.  Now, with his verbal commitment, he has shattered the dreams of New York Knicks fans who hoped the young star would chose to revitalize their organization in the summer of 2019.

Will Danny Ainge commit?

But, just as quick as Kyrie Irving went from being coy about his future plans to suddenly making a profession of love for the city of Boston, a man named Danny Ainge could turn the gush into a whole lot of much.

You see, the brilliance of Danny Ainge is not about him having a heart.  Sure, the Celtics president of basketball operations have expressed his interest and confidence that Kyrie Irving will be in Boston for years to come.  However, the ruthless nature of his brilliance will look at other factors.

Put the dreams of Anthony Davis coming to Boston to the side.  Irving’s injury history and durability will make Ainge think twice before inking a max deal with Kyrie.  It’s a risk no doubt, and probably a risk worth taking.  But what Ainge and the Boston Celtics ownership has to think about is what happens when it is time to play Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.  If those players continue to emerge, they will command max deals as well.

Now, both Al Horford and Gordon Hayward’s contracts may be up by then but committing to Kyrie Irving with a chance that he won’t be a reliable presence on the court may add some hesitation.

By making his verbal commitment, Kyrie Irving could very well be putting the ball in Ainge’s court.  Now, if there is no long-term deal, Irving can say it wasn’t due to him not wanting to be here.

Danny Ainge would take the blame.  While other GM’s have been fleeced by Ainge, Irving’s public commitment could be the powerplay that puts Ainge’s credibility in doubt.

In summary, this could all be exactly what it is.  A superstar simply wants to create a legacy with the Boston Celtics and have his number raised to the rafters.  But, take it as a grain of salt.  The NBA is a business and Danny Ainge is one of the best in the game.  Kyrie Irving can want to play in Boston all he wants, but if it doesn’t make sense financially or on the court, it won’t happen in Ainge’s world.