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Report: Teams wary of signing Kyrie

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

Interested summer suitors for Kyrie Irving might be experiencing second thoughts.

Some unspecified teams are reportedly "more wary" of adding the point guard, reports Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. Bulpett cites the Celtics' disappointing end to the 2018-19 season and Irving's role as reasons for the concerns.

Two franchises will only attempt to sign Irving if the front office's primary free-agent target wants to play alongside the 27-year-old. Bulpett notes the top target for both teams isn't the same player.

Irving's relationship with the Celtics' organization appeared to fray amid tension this past season, and his ties to teammates were also called into question in January following the veteran's criticism of younger stars.

Though Irving initially suggested during the preseason he hoped to re-sign with the club, in February the six-time All-Star seemed to flatly reject committing to Boston. A month later, he was reported to be "disengaged" from the franchise, fueling the belief he doesn't want to re-sign.

Irving is expected to become a free agent and seek a max contract, as he's unlikely to exercise his $21.3-million player option for next season. Despite reported concerns, he'll likely still command significant interest, with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets possibly the leading contenders for his services.

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