C's, Kyrie 'engaged,' Ainge says

If you're unsure how to describe the situation between the Boston Celtics and Kyrie Irving - with Irving unable to make a long-term commitment to the Celtics until July when he officially opts out of his contract with the C's - let Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge swoop in with the flawless description. The team is also in the running to scoop up Zion Williamson in the upcoming draft, so that might just be the extra motivation Irving needs.

When asked if he'd changed his mind about the Celtics, Irving said, "Ask me July 1". "I think that we have a history with New Orleans, in that we've tried to do deals with them before and they have a knowledge of our roster and our team and our assets and all that, but other than that, there's absolutely no deals".

Irving said before the season he plans to sign a long-term deal with Boston, but those intentions since have been called into question with the All-Star point guard recently indicating he'll make a decision on his future upon opting out of his contract and hitting free agency July 1. "And I think that that engagement is still on, as far as I know".

Ainge made an appearance on the Toucher & Rich radio show Friday morning where he described the team's current relationship with Irving as an "engagement", with the marriage still on for July 1st. The Celtics' hopes of landing the star - possibly by including Jayson Tatum in an offer after the season - were buoyed when Davis, a friend of Irving, stayed put at the trade deadline.

Due to an National Basketball Association rule, the Celtics are not allowed to trade for Davis until Irving becomes a free agent. But Ainge has maintained an open line of communication with Irving and has had several conversations with the 26-year-old since his recent noncommittal comments. However, he remains confident the group can find consistency and play to its potential.