It's no secret that Kyrie Irving is not on good terms with the Boston Celtics right now. He's reportedly "ghosted" the team as he approaches free agency, despite previously voicing his enthusiasm for resigning. As everyone awaits his next move, ESPN's Jackie MacMullan has detailed just how toxic his relationship with the Celtics became.
Irving has often received a lot of the blame for the Celtics' underwhelming season, but coach Brad Stevens said that he knew this season would be difficult from its start.
"The bottom line, is that we had seven perimeter guys who were all very good players, and all of them brought something different and unique to the table," Stevens explained. "If you ask any one of them, I'm sure they'll tell you it was hard to find all that they wanted this season."
Stevens spoke with Irving throughout the season, but as one Celtics staffer told ESPN, "Kyrie really put Brad through the ringer." He has previously publicly criticized his coach's plays and management.
Due to his star status in the team, Celtics assigned a security guard to Irving's table "during team charity functions" and flew him around the country separate from the rest of the team when he had other commitments. The point guard still allegedly wasn't into team spirit. He reportedly refused to sign any of the 100 balls Celtics auctioned off for charity. Everyone supposedly signed the balls except for him.
Counter to the report, one fan claimed they had a charity ball that Irving had signed.
Nonetheless, the Irving era in Boston seems to be coming to an end. TheNew York Times reports that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking into signing Irving.
Stevens appears to be supportive of Irving despite the tensions.
"I want Kyrie to find happiness," coach Brad Stevens added. "If he does move on, I wish him nothing but good health and success. I saw a lot of great qualities in him. "I really don't think it's anyone's fault. If you blame anyone, it's me. I'm the guy who couldn't fit the pieces."
