According to sources close to the team, Kyrie Irving's "persona has changed." Irving has reportedly become "disengaged and detached from those around the team."
Sources say the change began in early February around the time he was asked about the possibility of signing with the New York Knicks.
Irving's closest friend on the Boston Celtics is Jayson Tatum, who also went to Duke and is represented by Jeffrey Wechsler.
Before the start of the season, Irving told a gathering of season-ticket holders of the Celtics that he intended to re-sign with the team as a free agent. Sources say Irving also expressed the same commitment to his teammates.