Kyrie Irving’s name is back in the trade chatter, and for a slice of Celtics fans, that’s enough to kick the old reunion machine into overdrive.
HoopsHype reported that the nine-time All-Star showed up in 3.6 percent of all trades created on HoopsMatic’s trade machine over the past 24 hours. Among the most popular landing spots: the Miami Heat at 24.1 percent, the Celtics at 14.8 percent and the Orlando Magic at 13.0 percent.
That surge in speculation lines up with a report from NBA insider Marc Stein, who said rival teams "continue to wonder aloud" whether the Dallas Mavericks will keep their word about wanting to retain the point guard.
Irving’s Boston run was short, lasting just two seasons. He made two All-Star teams while wearing green, but the Celtics never got anywhere near the title level many expected from that roster.
He left in 2019 as a free agent to team up with Kevin Durant on the Brooklyn Nets, and it’s fair to say he didn’t exactly depart as a Boston favorite.
Now 34, Irving still carries the reputation of being one of the league’s top point guards. He missed the entire 2025-26 season because of an ACL injury, but the last time he played he put up 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while hitting 40.1 percent of his 3-pointers in 50 games during the 2024-25 season.
His contract also keeps him squarely in the conversation. Irving has two seasons left, with a $39.5 million salary for 2026-27 and a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28.
As for Boston, there’s no actual reporting tying Irving to a reunion. Still, the numbers suggest plenty of fans are at least willing to imagine it. The Celtics could reach his salary range through Paul George’s contract or by piecing together a package built around Derrick White and some mix of Mitchell Robinson, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard.
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For Celtics fans hoping there is more behind the buzz, the reality is less dramatic for now. There are no confirmed reports suggesting Boston is pursuing Lillard, and no indication Portland is looking to move him either. Lillard remains under contract with the Trail Blazers, complete with a player option and a no-trade clause, which makes any serious speculation about a Celtics fit a lot more complicated than a trending search result would suggest. [Read more 🡒]
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What makes the warning sting is the fit argument around it. The forecast suggests Georges game could mesh with Bostons preference for three-point shooting and a slower pace, but the projection still leaves plenty of unease about whether the Celtics would actually gain enough on the margin to avoid a step backward. It is the kind of early-season-of-the-future alarm bell that does not settle much, but it does make the long view around Boston a little harder to ignore. [Read more 🡒]
Jayson Tatum Just Gave Celtics Fans An Awkward New Talking Point
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One of those appearances came during his international fan camp run, including a stop in China, where a video made the rounds showing Tatum missing several free throws before finally knocking one down. It was the sort of harmless offseason moment that can take on a life of its own when a star is under the microscope, especially with Boston entering camp with new pieces, a new look, and plenty of curiosity about how the next version of this team will come together. [Read more 🡒]