Man, what a day for the Boston Celtics.
First, Kyrie Irving very colorfully declared that his October commitment to the Celtics perhaps wasn't so binding after all. And then, right around the same time, The Athletic's Shams Charania, hit us with this:
Sources @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: The Boston Celtics aren't a preferred destination long-term for New Orleans star Anthony Davis, and in Davis’ mind, remain a rental option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
February 1, 2019 So not only might the Celtics lose Irving in free agency this summer, but the player we assumed he partner with here for five years of dominance merely views Boston as a short-term rental before he flies the coop for his preferred destination -- perhaps Los Angeles with LeBron James in Lakers purple?
Anthony Davis is focused on the Lakers as his top preferred destination, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium. The Knicks are also as a preferred landing spot, and made push to New Orleans with offer around Kristaps Porzingis before the Dallas deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
February 1, 2019 A lot can change between now and July. Irving and the Celtics could win a title that convinces him to remain in Green. Davis could find himself headed to Boston anyway when Danny Ainge decides to roll the dice.
But for now, whatever the team's best-laid plans for long-term contention, it feels like they're going up in smoke.
