But Kyrie's interest in New York has been well documented for quite some time, before he was even traded to the Celtics because he grew up in New Jersey
I don't see what Rich Paul has to do with it.
AD won't join the Celts if Kyrie is not a Celtic.
If there is doubt on Kyrie's future, it might force the Pels to not wait for the Celtics after the season.
According to the article, Rich Paul was forcing the Pels to trade AD to the Lakers.
Rich Paul knows the Celts have and will have the best offer.
Only way to discourage the Pels from dealing with the Celts was to cast doubt on Kyrie's future.
If the Celts lose Kyrie after the season then there's no way the Celts will trade for AD.
I think if Ainge knew Kyrie was leaving after the season, he would have traded Kyrie at the trade deadline.
By not trading Kyrie at the trade deadline, that means the Celts are confident Kyrie will remain in Boston for many years to come.