Kyrie Irving tells fans, Celtics he wants to re-sign with Boston

So much for all the talk about Kyrie Irving as a free agent next year.

Irving told Boston Celtics fans at an event on Thursday that he is planning on re-signing with the Celtics next year.

“I’m planning on re-signing here next year,” @KyrieIrving says to the TD Garden full of @celtics fans at the #AMEX Tip-Off Event.

— Kristen Ledlow (@KristenLedlow) October 4, 2018

Additionally, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that Irving has already verbally committed to remaining with the team to the team’s owners.

Sources: As Boston star Kyrie Irving says at Celtics fan event that he plans to re-sign with the team next summer, Irving has also communicated with Boston ownership over past several weeks and verbally committed plans to stay long-term.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 4, 2018

This is just what Boston fans want to hear. Irving said in June that he was not considering an extension with the team, but that was more of an indication of his attempt to maximize financial earnings rather than his desire to leave. Irving is making around $20 million this season and has a player option for next year that he is likely to decline in order to sign a lengthy contract as a free agent.

Staying in Boston long term makes plenty of sense for Kyrie. Boston has a slew of great young players, a smart GM, and an excellent head coach. They also don’t have one superstar who can overshadow everyone else like Kyrie had with LeBron James in Cleveland. They also seemingly have an easier path to the Finals now that James is with the Lakers.

We may have to now pour one out for the New York Knicks, who thought they had a great shot at signing Irving next year.