He took some shots at CLE if you remember. He said that Boston was a real sports town and liked the fact that there were things to do after midnight. I know his father wanted him out of CLE. Always knew he wanted to play with Butler and always thought it would be NY.
I don't think the Cavs would be the #1 choice .. but New York is a truly awful franchise for one, secondly they have zero in the way of assets, third, they don't actually have cap space for both Irving and Butler - nor do they have assets to trade for either.
Irving's reasons for wanting out were complex, but largely centered around (1) the organization wanting to trade him, openly; (2) LeBron James overshadowing him.
Now, James is gone, for good; so there's no one to overshadow him here.
Secondly, he's had an opportunity to play in a big market, and apparently he's not thrilled about it. So maybe he realizes fans in Boston and New York won't really give a shit about him -- which is true?
Third, James going to Los Angeles really changes things around the league. He's out West .. the East is wide open now.
Fourth, leaving the Celtics, Kyrie could really put together a contender if he picks the right team.
Fifth, only the Nets and Cavs and a small handful of others are likely to have space for
two max contracts.
People have been talking about the Knicks and Lakers landing big-time free agents for years; and usually (until very recently at least), they strike out.
I dunno.. I can't see the Cavs not getting a meeting with Kyrie, July 1-2, with a max offer for both him and Jimmy Butler, and him/them him not taking that seriously. If we have assets to build around the two of them, I think we could make legitimate offer.
And if he declines, well.. then you move on.. There's going to be a shit ton of max contract free agents next summer. Two of them might want to play together.