Maybe seeing All-Star PG Kyrie Irving in a Knicks uniform isn't fantasy after all.
The Celtics superstar said Tuesday that he won't be signing an extension with the team this offseason, which means he will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2018-19 season, per the Daily News' Stefan Bondy.
"Contractually, financially, it just doesn't make any sense (to sign an extension with the Celtics)," he told reporters on Tuesday.
During the process of Irving requesting a trade from the Cavaliers following the 2016-17 season, the Knicks were among the four teams he requested. Irving is from North Jersey and attended St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth, NJ.
The 26-year-old, who had to undergo season-ending knee surgery last season, does have a player option for the 2019-2020 season that he will likely decline.
But, as of now, Irving would like to focus on rehabbing his knee and getting ready for next season before indulging in what will likely be a 2019 free-agent class highlighted by him.
"My hope is that maybe we could limit it to maybe one question a day about what I'm doing next year. That's my hope," he said. "But obviously I can't really control that. But I think you guys can feel my attitude is really just redemption next year. Really integrating myself with our team again and really focus on winning a championship.
"That's the only thing I'm really worried about. Until I get to that point, then I can't really answer any questions. I'm pretty sure management and I will have a talk, but that talk won't happen now."
This couldn't be any better timing for the Knicks, as they are tight on cap space this season, but are expected to have plenty when Irving is expected to hit the open market.
Irving's request for the Knicks in the past stems from not only being close to home, but playing with a versatile big man in Kristaps Porzingis. He has told the 7-foot-3 Latvian "I'd love to play with a big like you."
And Porzingis praised Irving's clutch abilities in the past as well.
"I love his game," he said. "I think he's one of the most entertaining guys. And he's clutch. He's clutch and a winner. I love that about him."
Before his injury that cut his season short, Irving averaged 24.4 points and 5.1 assists over 60 games.