A viral video of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant — both of whom are set for unrestricted free agency this summer — speaking privately in a hallway during NBA All-Star weekend generated a lot of attention.
Fans on social media speculated both Irving and Durant possibly discussing plans to join the Knicks this summer. New York cleared cap space by trading Kristaps Porzingis earlier this month, creating two max slots. However, Irving said he paid no attention to the social chatter and left the content of his conversation with the Warriors All-Star private.
“Is the internet real for you in your life?” Irving told reporters, including NBC Sports Boston’s A.Sherrod Blakely. “It’s my life, right? It’s two people talking, having a conversation. If it’s the real world, would it be anybody else’s business? It’s a video of someone assuming what we’re talking about, right? Making an opinion about it. So why would I care? Why does that have an impact on my life? Why are you asking me those type of questions? About cooling it off? For what? I don’t get it.”
Both Irving and Durant expressed frustration with the barrage of attention leading into free agency. Given their status as two of the league’s top names, the conversation does not figure to subside until they reach decisions at some point in the summer. As Irving tries to steer Boston in the right direction with the postseason approaching, he said that speculative comments about his future will not concern him.
“What I do with my life is my business. It’s none of yours, none of anybody’s business,” he said. “So it’s a video of me and one of my best friends talking. And then it turns out to be a dissection of free agency meeting? You get that? Do you get that? And I’m asked questions about it? That’s what disconnects me from all this. I have no connection to all that. Over a video? Every wants to hear athletes talk about (bleep) like this. A video though? To pour water on it? It makes no sense.”
Irving and Durant wanted to try and get together in Miami last time they were free agents. They trained together at Jamaal Crawford’s camp in Seattle, and in Miami last summer. The Celtics are 9-2 when Kyrie doesn’t play.
I’d like to see Kyrie and Durant sign with Knicks, AD traded to Knicks for Smith, Knox, Ntilkina, Robinson, this years Knicks lottery pick and 3 future lottery picks plus players to match salaries. I’d like to see Jordan re sign. Then I’d like to see LeBron and Paul file tampering charges on Knicks. I’d like to see Lakers strike out on free agents. Then I’d like to see Draymond sign with Paul and say he wants to play with LeBron. Then Magic would retire.
That would be a horrible trade for the Knicks. Jesus! This year’s lottery pick like to be top 3,PLUS 3 more firsts? And DSJ, Knox, Frank, and Robinson. LOL
It’s the only trade the Pelicans would accept, and could match salaries. They either want Tatum from the Celts or the 1st pick from the Knicks. After the Lakers striking out on free agents, I’d like to see LeBron in tears announcing his retirement and saying it’s them dang kids fault. Then I’d like to see Kuzma, Ingram, Hart, Lonzo, and Wagner throw a retirement party for LeBron. I think the Knicks could sign Kyrie and Durant, then trade the rest of their salary for AD, then use MLE and minimums to fill out the roster. If they took Durant and Kyrie at $35mm each, and AD at $27mm, the cap at $18mm, I think it could be done. Don’t know how Noah’s salary, and the hits for the remaining spots would figure in.
Make that the salary cap at $118mm.
You were screaming and preaching will never happen.
What happened?
Too much.
I did hear they were just talking about some broad they saw at the hotel though.
Come on… Why does it always have to be about some girl? Clearly, they were discussing old Jetsons and Speed Racer reruns.
Kyrie is right here – the conversation could’ve been about anything… best friends talking to each other. Why would they pick the all star game to decide to talk about what each of their plan is – knowing cameras aren’t too far away… when they could simply do that ANY other time they talk to each other behind he scenes?
That being said… KD had said Boston was a close second to GS during his last free agency. Maybe Golden State wants something for him rather than nothing if he leaves for NY – they could do a sign and trade deal with Boston and he could join Kyrie.
Wishful thinking I know.
He absolutely did not say “Boston was a close second”. He said he liked the process of meeting with them and that he was really tight with Avery Bradley.
Irving, if nothing important happened then act cool.
Irving needs to leave Boston, he’s not a true Celtic, never will be, no heart.
Build around the young guys and move on, these money loving self centered players think the world kisses their ass, Irving needs to play in China, then he can look in the mirror before every game and kiss the glASS!
Still don’t understand why Ainge did not make any moves at the trade deadline or buyout period in an effort to keep this team together when they have zero chemistry and still haven’t really won anything yet?!?