Kyrie's Celtics Future Tied To Playoff Run, Committed For Now, Perkins Says

Kyrie Irving will be a free agent this summer and is yet to confirm his intentions about whether he will remain with the Boston Celtics or look for other opportunities. The point guard’s former teammate Kendrick Perkins believes at least for the moment the six-time All-Star is fully committed to the Boston franchise and his future will depend on the team’s playoff run.

The 26-year-old joined the Celtics from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017 and has spoken of his intentions of leading his own team on many occasions. He has been given the opportunity in Boston, but the team's performances this season have taken a toll on Irving, who has complained about his teammates and the media.

Irving spoke about wanting to re-sign with the Celtics prior to the start of the current campaign, but has since backtracked and stated he will reveal his plan post July 1, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. He has been linked with a move to the New York Knicks, who have cap space to sign two big free agents, with Kevin Durant said to be the other player on the team’s wish list.

The point guard cut a frustrated figure during the regular season, after initial predictions of the Celtics being favorites to progress from the East did not pan out. They eventually finished in fourth place, but have since progressed to Eastern Conference semifinals after sweeping the Indiana Pacers 4-0 in the first round.

Everyone is aware about “playoff Kyrie” and he seems to have arrived, but it remains to be seen if he can help his team get past the dominant Milwaukee Bucks in the next round. Perkins believes the Celtics’ run in the playoffs will have a major influence on Irving’s future with the team.

Perkins is certain Irving would stay with the Celtics if they manage to win the NBA championship this season, but admits that if they lose in the semifinals, the point guard could decide to leave for another franchise. He believes there are a number of players in the same boat as Irving, who are unsure of what the future holds but as for the present, Perkins revealed he has not seen Irving show as much emotion in previous playoff encounters.

“I think how the season ends [is going to dictate his decision on July 1]… Obviously, you can’t win a championship in Boston and say, ‘Oh, I’ma leave.’ I mean, I think it depends on how far the Celtics go. If they win the championship or not. And I think that’ll decide,” Perkins said, as quoted on USA Today's Celtics Wire.

“Right now, I think every guy that’s in the NBA right now [is] worried about the current situation at hand and I think they’re just worried about the moment. And I think Kyrie is doing the same. You could tell in his play… I never really seen Kyrie show that much emotion like he did in this playoff series (against the Indiana Pacers),” he added.