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While appearing on 98.5 The Sports Hub Thursday morning, Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge said that Kyrie Irving may need to have knee surgery during one of the next few offseasons.
Danny Ainge told @985TheSportsHub his knee injury history was considered at time #Celtics traded for him, but long-term prognostication is good. Expected maintenance issues. May need surgery at some point in next few offseasons. Being extra cautious right now.
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) March 15, 2018
Irving has missed two and a half games due to knee soreness in the past few weeks, but the Celtics are confident that those issues are due to left knee tendinitis. There were reports earlier this season that Irving would have to get a minor procedure as a follow up to the surgery he had after suffering a broken left kneecap in Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals.
Ainge also includes that the Celtics were well aware of Irving’s knee history before they executed the blockbuster trade for him in late August. The good news for Celtics fans here is that the “maintenance issues” are not a surprise for Boston’s medical staff.
Brad Stevens told reporters before Boston’s game Wednesday night that Irving had an MRI on his knee and everything looked great. The plan is for him to travel with the team on its upcoming road trip and probably play in Sunday’s game against the Pelicans.
Boston’s next game is Friday on the road against the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. EST.