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Los Angeles Clippers Out: Kyrie Irving intends to re-sign in Boston

By Ryan Snellings

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 14: The jersey of Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics as seen during the game against the LA Clippers on February 14, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 14: The jersey of Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics as seen during the game against the LA Clippers on February 14, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kyrie Irving has informed the Boston Celtics that he intends to re-sign, which eliminates the Los Angeles Clippers from courting him in the 2019 summer.

Kyrie Irving informed Boston Celtics fans at a fan event yesterday that he intends to re-sign with the Boston Celtics next summer when he hits free agency. With this news, the Los Angeles Clippers need to narrow their focus towards Kawhi Leonard and other possible free agents.

Irving reportedly has also already begun discussing a new deal with Boston management according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Prior to this news breaking, several teams were seen as potential suitors for Irving. Although the New York Knicks were seen as the primary team to go after him, the Clippers had been mentioned. Their name cropped up once the Jimmy Butler trade saga began as many felt the two may look to pair up in Los Angeles when they hit free agency next summer.

More on Butler. Analyzing Jimmy's worth to the Clippers. light

Alas, Butler has wavered on where he would like to end up and Irving has apparently made his decision, so the Clippers will have to focus elsewhere. Notable names who are going to be available include Leonard, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Kemba Walker and Khris Middleton. The Clips will also have Tobias Harris entering unrestricted free agency.

Now, with one big name off the board, the team will have to make sure they have a plan on whom to go for. LA will have potentially two max-contracts available to hand out, so they will likely try to sell the idea of pairing up to win a championship.

Whoever the targets are, Jerry West, Lawrence Frank and Michael Winger will have their work cut out as they try and court them away from their current franchises.