Kyrie Irving delivered some promising news for Boston Celtics fans as he revealed recently he had no reason to leave the franchise in free agency.

Irving could become a potential free agent next year if he declines his 2019/20 player option and the 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the New York Knicks in recent weeks.

Most of the speculation stemmed from Irving refusing to sign a max contract extension earlier this summer, stating it did not make sense financially, especially as he can make much more re-signing with the Celtics in 2019.

"Contractually, financially, it just doesn't make any sense," Irving said. "I think it's unfair in terms of putting responsibility and also putting that communication with other guys. The focus is solely on winning a championship next year. I don't think it'll necessarily have an effect. I'm doing my best to kind of deflect all that and focus on what's in front of us."

However, recently speaking to ESPN's Rachel Nichols, Irving hinted at remaining with the Celtics, especially as the future is "very, very bright" in Boston.

"Who wouldn’t want to be a part of it, honestly? Because the future is very, very bright in Boston," Irving said. "Even if I ever try to think about that thought of going elsewhere, it’s like, ‘what are you thinking?’ We’re pretty effing good here. We’re pretty effing good for not just this year, but for years to come. So I'm looking forward to that."

When asked if that statement meant he was re-signing with the Celtics, Irving was coy but seemed to be heading in that direction.

"It is what it is, honestly," he added. "I think I'm comfortable in the position I'm in and they know how I feel about them as teammates and the organization in general so I'm happy to be a part of it and I can't wait for it."

It certainly makes sense for Irving to stay given the potential of the Celtics. The Duke product joined them last year and helped them finish as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Toronto Raptors.

Irving was restricted to just 60 games during the regular season though, as knee problems ruled him out for the last few games before he had to miss the entire postseason after undergoing surgery.

Despite his and fellow All-Star Gordon Hayward's absence, who missed the entire season after breaking his ankle during his Boston debut, the Celtics were able to go all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals and were just one win away from defeating the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers before eventually losing 4-3.

With both Irving and Hayward back now, the rise of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as James moving to the Western Conference, the Celtics can be really confident about their chances of making the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.