NBA news: Kyrie Irving drops shock trade U-turn hint amid Lakers and Knicks rumours

The Celtics are hoping to have Irving sign a new contract in the offseason as they build towards a title contender.

There was some concern last summer with trade rumours circling, however he fanned the flames in front of a bunch of Celtics fans inside the TD garden at the start of the campaign.

“If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here next year,” Irving said back in October.

However, reports over recent weeks have suggested Irving may have changed his mind regarding his future with the franchise.

And when asked whether he had in fact had a change of heart towards wanting to stay in Boston, he said: “Ask me against July 1”.

When pressed further, the 2016 NBA champion said that he will do what he feels is best for his career.

His surprise comments come in the wake of a barrage of trade rumours suggesting he may want to team up with Anthony Davis and LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Irving reached out to James last month to apologise how he acted as a young players during their time together at the Cleveland Cavaliers.

And reports have suggested he has “genuine interest” in reuniting with James.

New York have also brought themselves back in to play after trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

By trading away Porzingis, the Knicks will have now two max salary slots in the summer as they look to bring in a couple of superstars.

Kevin Durant is seemingly their No 1 target, but there were strong rumours last year that both Jimmy Butler and Irving wanted to team up in New York.

However, having slowly built a team seemingly on the verge of challenging for the championship, Boston may end up back at square one this summer if Irving decides to walk for free.

Irving has looked back to his best since the turn of the year, averaging over 28 points per game.

But the Celtics remains fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, five-and-a-half games back from the Milwaukee Bucks in top spot.

source: express.co.uk