Going into the playoffs, the Boston Celtics were robbed of the services of Kyrie Irving as he underwent a season-ending knee surgery in April. 

They still managed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals but it left the team with a huge sense of 'what if' had he been available. 

The Celtics may well have overcome his former Cleveland Cavaliers team and battled the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals but his first year in Boston ultimately ended in disappointment. 

Despite their shortcomings this season, the C's are primed to compete for a title for the next couple of years with a hugely talented young roster in place. 

But whether Irving will be part of their long-term future remains to be seen. The five-time All-Star will become a free agent in 2019 and there is currently no guarantee that he'll re-sign with the franchise. 

Doubts

There have been some interesting rumours about Kyrie's potential free agency plans next year as Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports recently reported that the Celtics are "scared" that he could leave when he hits the open market. 

Mannix said that there is a real possibility that the 26-year-old could join the New York Knicks as he apparently spoke about playing for the franchise with some of his former Cavs teammates. 

Boston, however, can offer him a five-year $200 million deal if he wants to stay, which will be more than what any other team can give him. 

But in a recent interview with Sopan Deb of the New York Times, the point guard refused to commit his future to the Celts and stated that it's unclear what he'll do at this stage. 

"Well, I mean I know that question is going to come up a lot over the next year, just based upon where my deal is," he said. 

"And, you know, that will arise and when it does, I'll have a better, clear, concise answer for a lot of people that are going to ask. 

"Yeah, I just have to take it as being present with the Boston Celtics. You know, and just going into this year with the mindset of trying to win a championship."

This could be a worry for fans in Massachusetts as they'd hate to lose one of the best players in the league. 

But 'Uncle Drew' still has another season with the team before he can even think about free agency and a lot can change in the next 12 months. 

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