Kyrie Irving's pending free agency has drawn a lot of attention from Boston Celtics fans. And rightfully so. With his contract expiring at the end of the year and his non-committal attitude surrounding the team, there has been some fear that Irving might leave in free agency.

While that fear still exists, there is a good chance he will remain in Boston beyond this season.

In a recent appearance on Boston Sports Tonight, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer discussed the future of Irving and offered some interesting details about the potential for him to remain in Boston.

I think what's going to happen has been pretty consistent all along. (Kyrie Irving is) most likely to stay with the Boston Celtics. They're going to be in the running for Anthony Davis. But he's also going to weigh his other options. And I think the other factor to consider though is the fact that Kevin Durant -- in at least recent weeks maybe about the past month -- the noise about him going to the Knicks has felt less certain. He also is going to consider the Knicks still, but I wouldn't rule out the Clippers or the Nets for that matter. And that has also been reported by other outlets as well. I think with KD perhaps being a little less likely to go to the Knicks, that also applies to Kyrie. Because that was the appeal, them joining forces.

This certainly would be good news for the Celtics if true. If Durant is less likely to go to New York, the destination would lose some of its luster for Kyrie. And while the two could attempt to pair up elsewhere, it's unclear if a team like the Clippers or Nets could create enough space to add both players. So, that could lead Irving back to Boston more easily.

Of course, it's also worth noting that if the Celtics can continue on in the playoffs, that would further incentivize Irving to stay. If he can win with the team he's on, he's less likely to drop everything and team up with Durant. That will add some extra importance to the team's upcoming two home games against the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series is currently tied 1-1.

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