https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/06/12/celtics-offseason-gaining-traction-as-aron-baynes-opts-to-stay-anthony-davis-talks-continue/According to multiple league sources, Irving still has not removed the Celtics from consideration as he contemplates where to sign as a free agent, though the assumption around the NBA was he was looking to go elsewhere to join up with another marquee free agent. That concept was placed in some measure of doubt when Kevin Durant — the most prominent of the potential 2019 free agents — suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon in Game 5 of the NBA Finals Monday night.
There still is no definitive word on whether that situation will change Irving’s thinking, or if a successful Celtics pursuit of Davis could increase the chances Irving stays in Boston.
As has been the case all along, it’s fair to think the Celts clearly would like to have more solid information from Irving on his plans so they can more properly formulate their own procedures moving forward.
For example, knowing what Irving will do could impact what the Celtics offer for Davis. At this point, however, sources continue to indicate the club is intent on trying to secure him no matter what else transpires — and regardless of statements that, if acquired, Davis will not re-sign with the Celtics when he can become a free agent in 2020, a sentiment most recently expressed in comments by his agent to Sports Illustrated.
This is good news, as Bulpett is probably the guy most plugged into the C's of all the media, though I do think some see him as Ainge's puppet at times.
Regardless, though, it seems to be a consistent story that Ainge wants AD regardless of Kyrie's ultimate decision, though he certainly would like to pair them as the first option.
It's also good that it is reported that Kyrie is still considering us and hasn't made up his mind yet. Kyrie seems to be a very impulsive type (see the preseason declaration of intent to resign), so I think a good free agency meeting bolstered by the acquisition of AD prior to the meeting could go a long way into convincing him to resign.
But again - as we keep saying this is all based on the basketball perspective, which is where we can excel over other teams, especially after KD's injury. If he's not as focused on that as other concerns, then we'll be fighting an uphill battle.