A report by Shams Charania of The Athletic has fueled speculation that Kyrie Irving could be nearing a return to the Nets, whether it be from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or a return in a part-time role for road games.
Charania's report, which described there being "renewed optimism" around Brooklyn and Irving that the superstar point guard would play at some point this season, mentions increased communication between Irving and Kevin Durant, suggesting the two have begun to talk about what a return would look like for Irving.
The Nets, limited to eight players on Tuesday night against the Raptors due to multiple COVID-19 cases, could certainly use Irving's help, but Durant wouldn't offer any information about any conversations between the two, except that they have continued to talk during Irving's absence.
"We'll see. I don't know," Durant said. "Of course, Kyrie is my brother, we talk about everything. I'd rather keep those conversations in-house though."
Irving himself fueled more speculation by posting a video of himself putting on a pair of his basketball shoes on Instagram, just hours after Charania's report was posted. In all likelihood, a return for Irving would mean that he would receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine, as the Nets have made it clear that Irving would have to return to the team in a full-time role, and they would not bring him back to only play in road games where there were not vaccine mandates. That stance could have changed, or Irving's stance on getting the vaccine could have changed, but Brooklyn wouldn't reveal anything on Tuesday night.
"I have connected with him but totally outside of the scope of the question and just on life in general," head coach Steve Nash said. "So we connected last week but not with any intel or insight that things are changing. So I know he's working out, and I know he'd love to be playing but I think the boundaries are still the same as they were before recent reports."
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