If Kyrie leaves...

[Goldstar88]

How will you feel if he decides to leave? There is no doubt that he is a great talent and a clutch player, but I’m not going to lose sleep if he walks. I don’t think he’s a leader and I feel like he’s not going to develop into one. IMO, he’s one of the least likable star players the Celtics have had and he doesn’t seem like a true Celtic.

If Tatum turns out to be a Pierce level talent, I would prefer having him as the face of the franchise, even if he is not as good of a player as Kyrie.

[Neurotic Guy]

If Kyrie leaves I think the C's go from a championship-level team (especially considering the possibility of getting AD) to a solid playoff team. If he leaves, variables abound -- does Hayward return to All-Star form? Does the Memphis pick turn to gold? Do JB, JT take a leap to All-Star level?  Will Al age well -- and will he opt out this off-season and take a longer, team-friendly deal?  Does Rob become a monster in the middle? Timeline is definitely pushed back, but future still hopeful.

I do think the C's can be great without Kyrie, but it's definitely a fuzzier and less likely path without him. 

One question I have:  if Kyrie walks and Al opts out, do the C's, at about $68M (my calculation, not sure if I'm right) become players for a quality FA this off-season?  Can C's sign a FA and then sign Al -- or would they need to renounce Al to get the cap space for a top tier FA?

[Ogaju]

triboy will be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Phantom255x]

If Kyrie leaves, it'd feel bad but I wouldn't say it's a moment that "dooms" the franchise. We'd still be in solid shape. No, maybe not championship contender, but still no doubt a playoff team that can still get better and make an addition or two going forward (via trade and/or draft - MEM Pick) to launch this team. Also, hope the Jays keep growing and Hayward regains some all-star form next year.

I'd love to keep Kyrie, but in a way it'd also be a real bad look for him if he made that announcement in October in front of the TD Garden crowd that he was willing to stay "as long as you [C's fans/management] feel the same way", then the C's made a max offer but he still chose NYK. Now if the C's thought his injury risks were real and didn't offer him the 5/188M max, then that's different, but otherwise I still feel he'll choose 188M to stay here as opposed to going NYK (w/Dolan still there) or LAL (w/Lebron) for 139M (50M less).

In a way, I actually think we'll all be at so much ease after this summer, because regardless what happens at least we'll likely have better clarity about this team going forward. Kyrie's FA, the AD trade dilemma, etc. should all come to a "conclusion" this July and from there, we'll know what to expect and have a better idea on things.

With that said, I do think it's ridiculous for anyone to suggest we're a better team w/o Kyrie. If you actually think we're capable of beating the 2019 Raptors, Sixers or Bucks in a playoff series this year without him (Kyrie), then boy you'll be in for a surprise.

Last year was a great run but in fairness, it helped we had home court (we were 1-7 on the road last year's playoffs) and we lost in the game where we truly needed a player of Kyrie's caliber. Plus the Bucks actually improved AND got a better coach than what they had last year (which makes a big difference).

[Birdman]

I think he is a cancer in the locker room..if he leaves, we be fine..got Tatum, Brown, Smart, Rozier, Hayward, Horford, plus all those picks and Ainge would bring in a veteran or 2

[RJ87]

I'd be happy for him. He'd get to play for a fanbase that'd appreciate him.

[SCeltic34]

Kyrie will be a Celtic next year.

But in the event that he does leave I'd be strongly disappointed, not because I'm a hardcore Kyrie supporter (though I do like him and think he's crucial to our playoff success) but because we'd lose a ton of value if he walks.  Provided that he doesn't suffer major injuries, having Kyrie back 1) increases the chances of obtaining another star down the line - a star looking to team up and win ring; 2) allows us to get some value back by trading him in the event that things go south over the next few seasons - i.e. we don't win a championship and/or the relationship between the C's and Kyrie sours.  A player like Kyrie will always be in demand and he could fetch us another star or future picks and young players.

He's also battle tested and I believe that he can indeed be a top option on a championship team.  Additionally he's just 26 years old and fits into our long term plans alongside Hayward (who should look much better next season), Tatum, and Brown - or Anthony Davis.  Also his leadership can continue to improve in upcoming seasons.

[nickagneta]

I have never been one to keep any emotional attachments to a player so once he leaves, so long, bye bye. But, no Kyrie most likely means no Davis and so we would go from 2nd most likely team to win a title next year and possibly the favorite in years after to a middling playoff team hoping the youth become difference making superstars years from now.

I am in my mid fifties now. I would like to see several more titles before I die. So my preference is Kyrie stays and Davis becomes a Celtics. It took 22 years for just one title between 1986 and 2008. It's been 11 years. I don't want to wait another 11 years for the next title.

[Rosco917]

I think Kyrie will help make a play for Davis. If he sees a lack of interest from Davis he will not sign.

I'm not sure Kyrie has the temperament to be the only superstar on any team. I'm beginning to see a moodiness to his persona.   

If he doesn't sign, we trade for a point guard that thrives on ball movement. Not a superstar, not Rozier. If Hayward comes all the way back, he's perfect to work with Brown and Tatum who both should get better and better. We may all be surprised by how well we do.

[Phantom255x]

I have never been one to keep any emotional attachments to a player so once he leaves, so long, bye bye. But, no Kyrie most likely means no Davis and so we would go from 2nd most likely team to win a title next year and possibly the favorite in years after to a middling playoff team hoping the youth become difference making superstars years from now.

I am in my mid fifties now. I would like to see several more titles before I die. So my preference is Kyrie stays and Davis becomes a Celtics. It took 22 years for just one title between 1986 and 2008. It's been 11 years. I don't want to wait another 11 years for the next title.

Lol I'm turning 21 in about a week. It's clearly been a rough go for Boston sports in that span so hopefully things get better   

(But yeah I'd love to see a lot more Celtics/Bruins titles going forward like the Sox and Pats have given us since 2001)

[mctyson]

For me, championship contender means can you consistently be in the NBA 'final four.'  I think Boston is there with or without Kyrie.

But they are not a championship team without him, or a player like him.  Maybe Tatum becomes that, but he is not there...yet.

[gpap]

Kyrie is not leaving. Ainge said so, and I believe him so the point is moot. Positive thoughts.

[gouki88]

I'd be happy for him. He'd get to play for a fanbase that'd appreciate him.

Sad that I agree with this to an extent.

I'd be bummed. Going back on his word would be lame

[CF033]

Honestly we're not a championship level team with Kyrie and we won't be without him.

Personally I like the Celts better without him even if we're not quite as good overall. He's an amazing and entertaining individual talent but IMO we're more of a team without him.

If he walks I won't be devastated.

[scaryjerry]

I'd be happy for him. He'd get to play for a fanbase that'd appreciate him.

I think we all appreciate his basketball ability but the fact that hes a cancer and not a leader leaves a lot to be desired and if he behaves the same way with the same results in new York, the fanbase will be worse