NBA 18/19: 3 Reasons the Celtics Should Trade Kyrie Irving

Going into the 18/19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics were the heavy favorites to top the Eastern Conference. The Celtics destroyed their closest rivals (76ers) in the season opener, and it looked as though the team had a chance to win their first Championship in a decade. The team, however, has been a huge disappointment since a bright start, and the Celtics are currently the 6th seed, with just a .524 record.

The Boston franchise also has the future of Kyrie Irving hanging over the team, and while the Celtics will be desperate to extend his deal, here are three reasons why his departure may actually benefit the organization going forward.

#3 He Could Leave Anyway

There are no guarantees that Irving will stay

Kyrie Irving has expressed his intention to re-sign with the Celtics, although there is still no guarantee that he will actually sign a contract in the summer. Things change quickly in Basketball, and until Irving puts pen to paper on a new contract, the player could change his mind and look to spend his future elsewhere. Trading Kyrie would guarantee that the Celtics receive something back for the point guard, and it could potentially be a star player, as teams are increasingly open to trading for a so-called 'one-year rental'.

#2 It's not Kyrie's team

Tatum and Brown are the future of the team

Kyrie Irving has expressed in the past that he wants to lead his own team, and many believed that he would be the face of the Celtics when he signed in 2017. Despite this, when Irving went down injured last season, the team flourished without the All-Star, coming within one game of the NBA finals.

In the absence of Irving, youngsters Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown emerged as superstars, and Tatum in particular looks to be the future face of the franchise. Kyrie had issues playing second fiddle to LeBron in Cleveland, so a Celtics future without the point-guard may eventually suit both parties.

#1 Someone needs to leave

Jaylen Brown became an important player for the Celtics in the 17/18 season

Kyrie Irving himself is only 26, although many Celtic fans see a future led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. All three players are current starters in Boston, however, it is questionable whether the Celtics will be able to keep all three players happy, especially as Brown and Tatum become bigger stars.

The Celtics are not going to trade away Brown or Tatum as both players have a tremendous upside and are locked into multi-year contracts. Irving is the odd man out, as he has yet to commit to the Celtics and if he did commit, he would take up a large amount of the team's salary space.

The Celtics need to be wary of upcoming contract extensions for the likes of Terry Rozier and moving Kyrie Irving on may ensure that the Celtics can afford to retain their incredible young core for the foreseeable future.