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NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 potential destinations for Kyrie Irving

By Bryan Toporek

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 06: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 06, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 113-101. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 06: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 06, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bucks defeat the Celtics 113-101. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 07: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to pass the ball while guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on January 7, 2019 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 07: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to pass the ball while guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on January 7, 2019 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1. Brooklyn Nets

If Irving wants to head to New York this summer, the Knicks aren’t his only option.

“Some plugged in to the NBA claim Irving will strongly consider Brooklyn as a free-agent destination, with one source saying the 27-year-old prefers the Nets to the Knicks,” Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News wrote in early May.

Whereas the Knicks are coming off a 17-win season and are nowhere near playoff contention, the Nets have bounced back resoundingly from the disastrous 2013 Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett trade that helped the Celtics build such an impressive young core. They finished 42-40 this season, their best record since 2013-14, and even took Game 1 off the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening round of the playoffs.

Irving is reportedly “strongly considering Brooklyn if he decides to leave Boston,” according to Anthony Puccio of SNY. “Irving’s camp has kept a close eye on the Nets as the season progressed and the team got better, with the playoffs only helping their case,” Puccio added.

When the Nets agreed to salary-dump Allen Crabbe ($18.5 million) to the Atlanta Hawks, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported they had “strong mutual interest” with Irving. Although they already have an All-Star point guard in D’Angelo Russell, Puccio reported “the Nets would be open to pairing Irving and Russell in the backcourt together.”

The Nets could keep Russell’s $21.1 million cap hold on their books, give Irving a max deal and round out their roster with their remaining cap space before re-signing Russell. If Irving wants to team up with another star free agent, Brooklyn can now carve out enough cap space for two max contracts by renouncing Russell.

Next. With a potential Kemba Walker supermax, Hornets must decide what they value most. dark

According to Puccio, the Nets would “not shy away from signing Irving even if they re-sign” Russell, although the “ideal scenario would be to pair two max free agents” such as Irving and Kevin Durant. Either way, the Nets have far more of a proven supporting cast than the blank-slate Knicks, which could appeal to Irving if he prioritizes immediate playoff contention when choosing his free-agent landing spot.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com or Basketball Reference. All salary information via Basketball Insiders.

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