Update 10/12/2021 11:57am:

Previously, it was revealed that the Brooklyn Nets were looking to make a decision in relation to Kyrie Irving and if he could practice or play with the team despite not being vaccinated. Now, the team’s general manager has released a statement saying Irving will not play or practice “until he is eligible to be a full participant.”

Nets GM Sean Marks said, “Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant. Kyrie has made a personal choice, and we respect his individual right to choose.”

“Currently, the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability,” said Marks. He continued by saying, “It is imperative that we continue to build chemistry as a team and remain true to our long-established values of togetherness and sacrifice. Our championship goals for the season have not changed, and to achieve these goals each member of our organization must pull in the same direction." 

source: ESPN


Original 10/11/2021 11:27pm:

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to make a group decision about what to do regarding Kyrie Irving. 

Woj reports that Kevin Durant, James Harden, Nets GM Sean Marks, and team governor Joe Tsai will all meet about the matter this week. Irving has been at the center of controversy due to his refusal to get vaccinated. As a result, Irving is currently barred from competing in any home games due to New York City's vaccination mandate. 

On Sunday, Nets head coach Steve Nash conceded that the team will prepare to play with Irving for road games as they anticipate him sitting out for home contests. "I think we recognize he's not playing home games," Nash said. "We're going to have to for sure play without him this year. So it just depends on when, where, and how much."

It should be interesting to see what decision is made considering the close connection between Kyrie and his other superstar teammates. If they agree that Irving is too much of a distraction, the Nets could explore trade options or deactivate Irving with a COVID exemption like teams gave players who opted out of the NBA bubble in Orlando back in 2020. 

Source: bleacherreport.com