NBA Free Agency: Assessing Kyrie Irving's most likely landing spots

When Kyrie Irving joined the Boston Celtics back in 2017, it looked as though the then 25-year-old would become the face of the franchise for the next decade. However, despite being equipped with his much-desired own team, Irving has refused to commit his future to Boston, and it appears increasingly likely that he will leave this summer.

Over the 18/19 regular season, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, and at 27, Irving is expected to command a max deal in free agency this summer. There is no shortage of quality playmakers who are set to hit the market this summer, although Irving is viewed as the crown jewel -- someone who can help a team to contend next season.

Due to this, Irving is generating a lot of interest around the NBA, and here we will look at the three teams most likely to sign him this summer.

---

#3 Brooklyn Nets

Kyrie Irving could replace D'Angelo Russell in Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Nets enjoyed a fantastic 18/19 season, as a young roster defied a slow start to qualify for the postseason. During the Western Conference first round, the Nets were defeated by the Philadelphia Sixers in five games, yet, the team appears to have a bright future.

If the Nets renounce the rights to D’Angelo Russell and trade away Allen Crabbe, they will also have the room to add two max free agents -- and according to SportsNet New York, the Nets are among the contenders to sign Irving:

Several league sources have told SNY that top-tier free agents, including Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Tobias Harris, will at least consider Brooklyn this upcoming July when it’s time to find their next home – if they decide to leave. Making the playoffs definitely helped their chances, one source said.

The Nets may be hesitant to waive Russell, although with his long-term future in doubt anyway, it is likely that the Nets would be willing to sacrifice him to bring in Irving.

#2 Los Angeles Lakers

Irving could replace Lonzo Ball as the Los Angeles Lakers' starting guard

One of the primary reasons for Irving wanting to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2017 was the point guard's frustration at playing sidekick to LeBron James. Irving eventually got his wish as he was traded to Boston, however, Irving has since reached out to the now Lakers star, going as far to apologize for his 2017 exit.

Ever since the story of Irving reaching out to LeBron emerged, the duo have been backed for a reunion, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith says that Irving will grant the Lakers a meeting:

I’m told Kyrie Irving will grant the Lakers an interview this offseason.The Lakers will have an opp to get Kyrie Irving to come to LA. I did not say he’s coming to LA! I did not say that! I don’t know what he’s gonna do, but during his free-agent tour, I’m told he’ll give the Lakers an interview.

James is expected to go all out in his efforts to convince Irving to head to Los Angeles this summer, although the Lakers are still likely to be the point guard's backup option.

#1 New York Knicks

Irving has been backed to link up with Kevin Durant in New York this summer

Despite all the recent rumors linking Irving to either the Nets or the Lakers, it still seems in all likelihood that he will head to the Knicks. The Knicks are so confident of their ability to land two All-Stars that they were willing to trade Kristaps Porzingis, and Irving is widely viewed as the man who will be the first to sign up for a new era in NY.

Kevin Durant has also been backed to follow, and Jalen Rose has explained why Irving is bound for New York:

His next situation has to be a blank canvas. It can’t be the Nets. And what I mean by that is a team that made the playoffs that has an identity in its backcourt already. They have to be a squad like the Knicks, where they can actually build around the fact that he’s going to be a volume-usage player. He likes to dribble the ball a lot, he likes to shoot the basketball a lot, and that’s who he has become.

Ultimately, the Knicks are arguably the NBA's biggest team, and Irving will have a fantastic opportunity to win in New York.