Kyrie Irving is returning to basketball.
The Brooklyn Nets have begun the process of bringing Irving back to the team as a part-time player, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
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Irving has begun COVID-19 testing and will return to the team to play road games outside of New York City. While a date for his return is still undetermined, the Nets decided to bring the All-Star guard back under special circumstances.
With COVID-19 ravaging its way through the league, Irving will serve as much-needed relief to the depleted roster. The Nets currently have seven players in health and safety protocols, including star guard James Harden.
Irving has not yet played this season because of the vaccine mandate in New York City that prevents Nets and Knicks players from participating in home games if they are unvaccinated. Due to the mandate, Irving will only be allowed to play road games.
NBA
He will have to test negative on five successive days before he can rejoin the team. He will also have to test negative every day as an unvaccinated player.
The Nets are 11-3 on the road and 21-8 overall so far this season, sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference.