Scratch Kyrie Irving from NBA free agent potential list

Scratch Kyrie Irving from the potential list of stars who will hit the NBA free agent market next summer.

The Boston Celtics point guard said Thursday that he plans to remain with the team following the upcoming season.

"I've shared it with some of my teammates, as well as the organization and everyone else in Boston," Irving said at a gathering of Celtics season-ticket holders at TD Garden. "If you guys will have me back, I plan on re-signing here."

The comment drew a raucous reaction from the crowd.

According to HoopsHype.com, Irving is due to make $20.1 million in the 2018-19 season, then has a $21.3 million player option for 2019-20.

The Athletic's Shams Charania also reported Thursday that Irving told Celtics' ownership he plans to stay with the club long-term.

Irving, 26, spent his first six NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers before he was acquired by the Celtics in August 2017 in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a first-round draft pick.

His first season for Boston was halted in March due to a left knee infection that led to surgery. Irving has been back in action for the Celtics in the preseason.

Irving averaged 24.4 points, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 60 games for Boston last season. For his career, he has averages of 22.0 points, 5.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals.

The five-time All-Star was a key part of the Cavaliers' 2015-16 championship team. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2011-12 after Cleveland selected him first overall out of Duke.

The 2019 NBA free agent crop could include Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, plus potential restricted free agent Kristaps Porzingis.

(With inputs from agencies.)