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Kyrie: Signing extension this summer doesn't make financial sense

Brad Rempel / USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving is eligible to sign a contract extension in the offseason, but the Boston Celtics star isn't ready for a commitment that could potentially leave millions of dollars on the table.

Although his season ended rather disappointingly, missing the Celtics' unexpected playoff run while tending to his ailing left knee, the All-Star point guard prefers to play out the final year of his deal.

"Contractually, financially, (an extension) just doesn't make any sense," Irving said, according to ESPN's Chris Forsberg.

The extension in question would be over four seasons, worth approximately $108 million, with a starting salary of $21.3 million in 2019. However, if Irving were to sign a max contract next summer after opting out of his player option, he would be able to ink a five-year deal worth approximately $188 million. The final season of that max deal would be worth north of $42 million in 2023-24.

Until then, Irving's priority is getting back to 100 percent and returning next season to push toward another deep playoff run with a fully healthy roster.

"I think you guys can feel my attitude is really just redemption next year," Irving said. "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."

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